The scheduled trial of an Engineer, Adeleke Adebesin and his company Kings Intercontinental Properties Nigeria Limited and who was alleged to have defrauded Twins Faja’s Store, of the sum of N40 million, was stalled due to change of counsel by the defendant.
Adebesin and his firm are being tried before the court presided over by Justice Musa Kakaki on alleged charges of conspiracy, N40 million fraud and issuance of dud cheques.
Adebesin and his firm were formerly arraigned before Justice Abimbola Awogboro early this year on the alleged offences.
However, upon the transfer of Justice Awogboro, their case file was taking over by Justice Kakaki, who took over from Justice Awogboro.
At the resumed hearing of the matter today, the prosecutor, Mr Sylvester Azubuike of the police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) informed Justice Akitoye Aluko that the matter is slated for trial and that the prosecution is ready to proceed.
However, Adebesin’s lawyer, Mr O. N. Onuoha in his submission told Justice Aluko that his client (defendant) had just informed him this morning in court of his intention to change his counsel, he therefore urged the court to grant one adjournment, so that he can sort things out and make proper withdrawal from the case.
The incoming counsel for the defendant, Oke Prosper Ojakovo announced his appearance as counsel for the defendant, but said he will not oppose the application for adjournment by the former counsel.
Consequently, the trial judge, Justice Akintoye Aluko adjourned the matter till 24th of March , 2025 for trial.
It would be recalled that Engineer Adeleke Adebesin was arraigned alongside his company, Kings Intercontinental Homes and Properties Nigeria Limited, and one James Oladimeji Ogunsango, said to be at large.
According to the charge, the 53-year-old engineer, was alleged to have sometime in 2019 induced a Lagos businessman, Taiye Fajana, the chairman of Twins Faja Nigeria Limited, to deliver to him N40 million.
It was also alleged that the defendant, his company, and the other, said to be at large, issued a Stanbic IBTC bank cheque with the number 20218203, and account number 00234349, dated October 30, 2019, but when the cheque was presented at the bank, it was dishonoured for lack of sufficient funds.
The prosecution said the offence contravened Section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offence Act, No. 14 of 2006 and is punishable under Section 1(3) of the said Act and Section 1(a)(i) of the Dishonoured Cheques (Offences) Act, 2004.
Charges Against The Defendant Reads: “that you Engr. Adeleke Adebesin ‘M’, Kings Intercontinental Homes and Properties Nig. Ltd And James Oladimeji Ogunsango now at large sometimes in March 2019 in Lagos, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud, by means of Contract of Sale, induced one Mr. Taiye Fajana, the Chairman of Twins Faja Nigeria Limited, to deliver to you, the sum of N40 million, by falsely representing to him that you own a piece or parcel of land situate, lying at Lekki-Epe Expressway, beside Farapark Estate Sangotedo Ajah in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State,which you said is available for sale for N40 million, and the money represented the cost of purchase of the property and that you were ready, willing and prepared to hand over the said property to him which representation you knew to be false or does not believe to be true, by this conduct, you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud related Offence Act, No. 14 of 2006 and punishable under section 1(3) of the said Act.
“That you, Engr. Adeleke Adebesin ‘M’ and Kings Intercontinental Homes And Properties Nig. Ltd, sometimes in March 2019 in Lagos within the Jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, while operating under the name and style of Kings Intercontinental Homes and properties Nig Ltd, issued Stanbic IBTC bank cheques with cheque number 20218203 and Account number 00234349 dated 30th day of October 2019, in the sum of N20 million, drawn in favour of Twins Faja Nig Ltd as part payment of a retuned of N40 million which you obtained through your Company’s account from Twins Faja Nigeria Limited, however,upon presentation of the cheque for payment was dishonoured for lack of sufficient fund in the account against which the Cheque was issued, to meet the value of the said cheque and by this conduct , you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(a)(i) of the Dishonoured Cheques (Offences) Act, 2004
“That you, Engr. Adeleke Adebesin ‘M’ And Kings Intercontinental Homes and Properties Nig Ltd sometimes in March 2019, in Lagos within the Jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, while operating under the name and style of Kings Intercontinental Homes and Properties Nig Ltd, issued Stanblc IBTC Bank cheques with cheque number 20218202 and account number 0023434962 dated 5th day of February 2020, in the sum of N20 million, drawn in favor of Twins Faja Nig Ltd as part payment of a refund of N40 million, which you obtain through your company’s account from Twins Faja Nigeria Limited, however, upon presentation of the cheque for payment was dishonored for lack of sufficient fund in the account against which he cheque was issued, to meet the value of the said cheque and by this conduct, you hereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(a)(i) of the dishonored cheques (Offences) Act, 2004.”
Source: Omonaijablog.com.ng