MKO's Son Deji Abiola Docked For Fraud

SAN FRANCISCO, June 23, (THEWILL) – Sources at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Lagos have said Mr. Deji Abiola, son of late Chief MKO Abiola was detained and docked today for defrauding a businessman of about N36 million.

Deji was remanded in EFCC custody by a Lagos court till next week when his bail application is expected to be determined.

The son of the presumed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 Presidential election was detained a few months ago by a police fraud unit in Lagos for allegedly defrauding another businessman, THEWILL has learned. It is however unclear how that matter was resolved.

Update: N35.5m Fraud: Abiola’s Son Remanded In EFCC Custody

LAGOS, June 23, (THEWILL) – Deji Abiola, the second son of the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election, Late Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, was today charged before an Ikeja High Court and subsequently remanded for an alleged financial fraud of N35.5 million.

The operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Deji before Justice Adeniyi Onabanjo of an Ikeja High Court over a two-count charge of stealing and fraudulent conversion of the sum.

But Deji could not be arraigned as he objected to the charge against him.

The commission had alleged that Deji received N35.5 million in September 2008 from one Mr. Jide Jose, under the pretext of importing printing machines from Switzerland on his behalf.

The commission also alleged that Mr. Deji Abiola did not supply the said printing machines to the Mr. Jose and had converted the money for his personal use contrary to the EFCC Act.

During the court session in Ikeja today, counsel to the anti-graft commission, Mr. Omeiza Adebola asked the court to compel Deji to take his plea and be properly arraigned.

But Deji’s counsel, Mr. Tunde Kasumu objected to Adebola’s pleading saying that his client has not been able to hear the charges filed against him by the EFCC hence cannot enter a plea.

Deji’s counsel further told the court that the matter had been before the court since September 2, 2010, insisting that the charges should be read to the accused person.

Kasumu said the accused who had been enjoying administrative bail granted him by the EFCC had come to court on his own volition. He added that Deji should be granted sufficient time to consult with his lawyers before taking his plea as guaranteed by the right to fair hearing.

He urged the court to grant his client bail or remand him in EFCC custody pending the filing of the bail application to be heard at the next adjournment.

Justice Onabanjo has however set June 30 for his formal arraignment.