Proceedings in the criminal trial instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), Fouad Oki, and Eko‑Akete Engineering & Construction Company Ltd, were on Monday stalled at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, following the defendants’ alleged evasion of arraignment.
At the hearing before Justice Olubukola Okunnuga, EFCC counsel, Mohammed Abbas, informed the court that although the defendants had been duly served with the charge, they had failed to present themselves for arraignment. He explained that the prosecution was not in a position to proceed in their absence and therefore sought an adjournment to enable the EFCC regularise processes that would compel the defendants’ appearance.
Justice Okunnuga, after considering the submissions, adjourned the matter to April 14, 2026, for further proceedings.
The defendants are standing trial on charges filed by the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the Criminal Division of the High Court of Lagos State.
According to the charge, Oki and his company are accused of stealing and abuse of office, contrary to the provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
In the first count, the defendants allegedly converted the sum of ₦33,105,000, belonging to the Lagos State Football Association, to their personal use between July 29 and August 17, 2023. The offence is said to contravene Section 280(2) and is punishable under Section 287 of the law.
In the second count, Oki is accused of abusing his office as LSFA Chairman by authorising the conversion of the same sum for personal use, an act deemed prejudicial to the rights of the association, contrary to Section 73(2) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The charge was signed by Rotimi Oyedepo Iseoluwa, SAN, on behalf of the EFCC.
The matter is expected to resume on April 14, when the prosecution is anticipated to take further steps to secure the defendants’ arraignment.
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