The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Lagos-based businessman and socialite, Fred Ajudua, in Abuja, following a Supreme Court order revoking his bail.
Ajudua is standing trial for allegedly defrauding a Palestinian businessman, Zad Abu Zalaf, of $1,043,000. He was arrested on Tuesday and is currently in EFCC custody, pending his re-arraignment.
A senior EFCC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the arrest: “We have arrested Ajudua pending his re-arraignment in court. He was arrested in Abuja on Tuesday and he’s in our custody as we speak.”
The EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, declined to comment.
In its ruling delivered on Friday, May 5, 2025, the Supreme Court ordered Ajudua’s remand in a correctional facility and nullified the bail earlier granted by the Court of Appeal in September 2018. The apex court upheld the EFCC’s appeal and instructed that the trial resume before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos High Court.
The case, which began in 2005, has faced repeated delays due to judicial reassignments. Initially heard by Justice Morenike Obadina, it was later transferred to Justices Josephine Oyefeso and Mojisola Dada.
Ajudua was denied bail in June 2018 before Justice Dada, but that decision was overturned by the Court of Appeal—until the Supreme Court reinstated it.
Ajudua’s re-arraignment is expected soon. Read More
