Judge Threatens Arrest Warrant Against Fani-Kayode Over Continued Absence From Trial

An Ikeja special offenses court has threatened to issue a bench warrant for Femi Fani-Kayode’s arrest over his prolonged absence from his trial.

In a 12-count complaint filed before the court, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused Fani-Kayode of presenting a falsified medical report before a federal high court in Ikoyi.

According to the anti-graft agency, the former minister recruited one Ogieva Oziegbe to fabricate the alleged bogus medical report.

When arraigned on December 17, 2021, the defendant pled not guilty to the accusation.

On February 20, Fani-Kayode’s counsel, Wale Balogun, notified the court that his client was missing owing to illness and concerns with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Police.

Chinozo Eze, who represented the defendant said the defendant still has health issues.

“The absence of the defendant in court is due to health issues,” Eze said.

Eze further informed the court that a medical report and a letter seeking the leave of the court to vacate the adjourned date had been submitted to the court.

EFCC counsel, Zinat Atiku, confirmed the receipt of the said letter.

The presiding judge, Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe, stated that Fani-Kayode last appeared in court on November 4, 2022.

She threatened to issue a bench warrant if he did not appear at the next adjourned date.

The judge was also dissatisfied with the lack of rigorous prosecution of the case.

According to Abike-Fadipe, the EFCC may withdraw the case if it cannot pursue it carefully.

She postponed the case until November 7 to allow for the continuation of the trial.