JUST IN: Supreme Court Strikes Out Fred Ajudua’s Motion, Rejects Nadabo Energy Boss’ Appeal

BY MICHAEL AKINOLA

The Supreme Court on Friday struck out a motion filed by alleged fraudster Fred Ajudua after his counsel formally withdrew the application challenging an earlier judgment of the apex court.

In the same sitting, the court also dismissed an appeal by Mr. Abubakar Ali Peters, Managing Director of Nadabo Energy Limited, who sought to overturn the Court of Appeal’s decision revoking his bail and imposing new conditions.

Peters had also requested leave to travel abroad for medical treatment, which the Supreme Court declined, directing him instead to return to the trial court to conclude his criminal case.

Meanwhile, at the Special Offences Court, Ikeja, where Ajudua is standing trial, he also withdrew a fresh bail application on Friday before Justice Mojisola Dada.

Ajudua, represented by Olalekan Ojo (SAN), told the court that he had filed a notice of withdrawal of his motion at the Supreme Court to allow the high court proceed with its ruling on the bail request.

Ojo explained that his client, who suffers from chronic kidney disease and severe hypertension, personally appeared in court to comply with his undertakings.

EFCC counsel Seidu Atteh did not oppose the withdrawal but urged the court to await official confirmation from the Supreme Court that the motion had been struck out.

Justice Dada agreed, stating that the trial court must be satisfied that the apex court had formally dealt with the withdrawal before proceeding.

The court thereafter continued with trial proceedings.

The third prosecution witness, Afanda Bashir Emmanuel, an EFCC investigator, testified that the Commission contacted the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and its forensic laboratory during investigations into Ajudua’s alleged $1.043 million fraud against a Palestinian businessman, Zad Abu Zalaf.

During cross-examination, the witness confirmed visiting Ajudua at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison and interviewing several witnesses.

The matter has been adjourned till November 20 and 21, 2025, for continuation of cross-examination.