In a bid to clear his name, Dr. Bisi Onasanya, former Group Managing Director of First Bank, appeared before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday.
Onasanya, along with former First Bank Chairman Oba Otudeko, Honeywell Group Director Soji Akintayo, and Anchorage Leisure Limited, is refuting allegations of fraud in connection to a commercial loan transaction during his tenure.
Legal Arguments and Court Proceedings
During the hearing, Onasanya’s lawyer, Olasupo Shashore (SAN), aligned with Otudeko’s legal team, arguing that the court should first determine jurisdiction before proceeding with the case.
Senior lawyer Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), representing Otudeko, emphasized that the case was purely civil, as it pertained to a bank-customer relationship, and should not be treated as a criminal matter.
Similarly, Ade Adedeji (SAN), representing Anchorage Leisure Limited, accused the EFCC of harassment, stating that the loan in question was fully repaid in 2017 and that the matter had long been settled.
“The continued pursuit of this case by the EFCC amounts to a witch-hunt, intimidation, and harassment of the defendants.”
EFCC’s Position and Court’s Ruling
EFCC prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) countered that the 13-count charge resulted from a thorough investigation.
After hearing both sides, Justice Aneke adjourned the case to March 17, 2025, to rule on the jurisdictional challenge.
Meanwhile, Onasanya’s lawyer, Olumide-Fusika (SAN), requested that his client be allowed to return home pending the next hearing. The judge granted the request.
It is worth noting that Otudeko was absent from the hearing, with his lawyer submitting a medical affidavit explaining that he had traveled to the United Kingdom for health reasons.
Background on the Case
The case has sparked debate, with Onasanya’s legal team previously criticizing the EFCC’s handling of the matter, alleging that their client was subjected to a “media trial.”
With the next hearing set for March 17, 2025, all eyes will be on the court’s decision regarding jurisdiction and the future of the case.