EFCC escalates fraud case against Fred Chijindu Ajudua, appealing to Supreme Court to cancel Jan 30, 2026 Court of Appeal bail grant
EFCC Seeks Supreme Court Order to Cancel Fred Ajudua’s Bail Over $1.043m Fraud Allegations
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is intensifying its pursuit of Lagos socialite Fred Chijindu Ajudua, heading straight to Nigeria’s Supreme Court to challenge and reverse the bail recently granted to him by the Court of Appeal in Lagos.
In a notice of appeal dated February 20, 2026, filed at the apex court in Abuja, the anti-graft agency is seeking to overturn the January 30, 2026 decision that freed Ajudua on bail—insisting the ruling directly contradicts a binding Supreme Court judgment delivered on May 9, 2025.
Represented by counsel S.K. Atteh, the EFCC accused the appellate court of grave legal error: dismissing the prosecution’s preliminary objection and granting bail despite what the Commission describes as the Supreme Court’s clear order for Ajudua to remain in custody until a speedy trial concludes.
The EFCC argued that the apex court had already settled the bail question, making any fresh consideration by lower courts a violation of judicial hierarchy and the constitutional finality of Supreme Court decisions under Sections 235 and 275(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The Commission sharply criticized the Court of Appeal’s reliance on a November 19, 2025 medical report that cited kidney-related health issues as new “changed circumstances” warranting bail. EFCC contended that Ajudua has repeatedly invoked the same condition since 1987 to stall proceedings in a case that dates back to 2005—highlighting alleged inconsistencies in reports issued by the same medical consultant and accusing the appellate court of inadequate scrutiny.
Granting bail, the EFCC warned, could derail the Supreme Court’s explicit directive for an expeditious trial. The agency pointed to previous periods when Ajudua was on bail and only one prosecution witness was called over an extended timeframe.
The Commission is therefore praying the Supreme Court to set aside the January 30, 2026 bail order and restore the trial court’s November 20, 2025 decision refusing bail.
No date has been fixed for hearing at the Supreme Court.
Ajudua stands accused of defrauding Palestinian businessman Zad Abu Zalaf of $1.043 million through false pretences—a high-stakes fraud trial that has spanned nearly two decades, marked by repeated bail applications, medical excuses, and dramatic courtroom turns. The EFCC’s latest Supreme Court move underscores its determination to prevent further delays and bring the matter to a swift conclusion. Read More
