TEMPORARY reprieve came the way of Lagos socialite, Fred Ajudua on Tuesday as an Ikeja High Court, Lagos, granted him bail.
Vacation judge, Justice Ganiyu Safari admitted Ajudua to bail in the sum of N50 million with two sureties on the grounds of his failing health.
Ajudua and his co defendant, Charles Orie are being tried by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly duping two Dutch businessmen, Remy Cina and Pierre Vijgen of the sum of US$1.69 million (N270 million).
Ajudua was first arraigned in 2003, and was granted bail two years later to seek medical attention in India over a kidney-related ailment. He, however, failed to attend trial for several years, forcing the trial judge, Justice Olubunmi Oyewole to revoke his bail and declare him wanted.
But after seven years, Ajudua finally appeared two months ago to face his trial and further sought for bail from the court.
Justice Oyewole, however, turned down his bail request and made an order remanding him in Kirikiri prison.
However, his lawyer, Olalekan Ojo last week filed a fresh bail application on the ground that his client's health condition has deteriorated.
He told the court that Ajudua was rushed to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital three weeks ago after a kidney malfunction that resulted to him passing out blood through his urinary organ.
But the EFCC's counsel, Wemimo Ogunde (SAN), opposed the bail application and insisted that Ajudua did not deserve a fresh bail. The counsel argued that there is a huge chance that Ajudua would abscond again if granted bail "as he ran away from trial for seven years."
However, Justice Safari in his ruling yesterday held that there are enough compelling health grounds to grant Ajudua bail. According to the judge, Ajudua's present circumstances necessitated the current position of the court in spite of the past denial.
He said; "it is very clear before the court that Fred Ajudua is in a serious health condition which required that he should be allowed to go and take care of his health"
The judge stated further that it is important for him to stay alive to face his trial, stating that doing otherwise would amount to denial of justice.
He then released him on bail in the sum of N50 million with two sureties in like sum.
The sureties, the judge said must have evidence of landed property in Lagos with verifiable documents and address.
He also directed that Ajudua should deposit his travelling documents with the court registrar.
Hearing on the substantive trial continues September 24, 2013 before Justice Oyewole.
