Alleged N350m fraud: IGP opposes launch of defendant’s passport

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has appealed to an Ikeja Particular Offences Courtroom in Lagos State to not launch Rukayya Dantata’s Worldwide Passport.

The Information Company of Nigeria studies that Dantata was beforehand ordered to deposit her worldwide passport and different journey paperwork with the court docket’s chief registrar.

The IGP made the attraction in a counter-affidavit filed by the Police Prosecutor, Moruf Animashaun, on the resumed listening to of the case on Friday.

He argued that granting the request of the defendant would endanger the trial.

In his counter-affidavit dated December 24, 2024, he mentioned that the regulation was settled that the defendant couldn’t dictate how a court docket ought to train its discretion.

In accordance with him, an applicant searching for for variation of bail time period should adduce ample supplies to determine distinctive circumstances.

Egbetokun via the prosecution subsequently tendered 4 reveals to substantiate his claims that the defendant was a flight threat.

He mentioned: “There are seven reveals which embrace warrant of arrest issued by Federal Excessive Courtroom in Abuja and Nasarawa Chief Magistrates’ Courtroom, Police Gazette Bulletin which declared her wished and a petition to EFCC.

“We’ve got additionally filed a written deal with dated December 24, 2024.

“We would like your lordship to grant our aid and dismiss the appliance of defence as missing in benefit.”

Dantata had filed an utility earlier than the court docket, via her counsel, Muiz Banire (SAN), requesting the discharge of her worldwide passport deposited with the court docket.

Banire prayed the court docket to grant his shopper’s request.

He mentioned that the worldwide passport would permit his shopper to take care of her well being and different engagements outdoors the nation.

Justice Oshodi adjourned the case till March 10 for ruling on the appliance and additional listening to.

NAN studies that the IGP had on September 15, 2024 arraigned Dantata for allegedly defrauding a Bureau De Change consulting agency of N350 million via her agency, Adat Ventures.

She was arraigned on a two-count cost bordering on dishonest and acquiring cash underneath false pretences.

In accordance with the prosecution, the alleged offences contravene Part 1(a)(3) of the Advance Price Fraud and Different Associated Offences Act 2006, and Part 323 of the Felony Regulation of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendant, nonetheless, pleaded not responsible to the cost.

Oshodi had granted Dantata N30 million bail with two sureties in like sum.

The court docket had ordered that each sureties should present an affidavit of means and proof of three years’ tax funds to the Lagos State Authorities.

He had additionally ordered Dantata to deposit her passport and different journey paperwork to the court docket’s chief registrar, together with the verification of each her residence and workplace addresses.