On Monday, the Ikeja Special Offences Court dismissed the bail application of a self-styled army general, Bolarinwa Abiodun, charged with defrauding two companies of N266 million.

Mr Abiodun pleaded not guilty to the 13-count charge levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The charge borders on obtaining money under false pretence, forgery of documents and possession of documents containing false pretences.

Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo, in her ruling on Monday, denied the defendant’s bail application and granted him an accelerated hearing of the case.

“The defendant did not challenge the averment of the counter-affidavit and the further affidavit of the prosecution.

“I am, therefore, in agreement with the prosecution that the defendant constitutes a flight risk.

“Although the offences against the defendant are bailable offences, I am inclined to refuse the application for bail and order an accelerated hearing.

“Thus the bail application is refused and the defendant is to remain in prison custody, and accelerated hearing is hereby ordered,” she ruled.

The defence counsel, Kayode Lawal, had on April 11 prayed the court to grant his client bail, adding that the defendant had earlier produced a surety, as requested by the EFCC.

However, the EFCC prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, opposed the bail application and submitted that the situation warranted the court to exercise judicial discretion against the defendant.

He argued that the defendant did not counter the point raised by the prosecution.

Mr Oyedepo urged the court to refuse the bail application bail.

The prosecution submitted that the defendant allegedly forged a letter of appointment as Chief Of Army Staff, dated May 20, 2020, and purportedly said the document emanated from the presidency.

He also alleged that the defendant forged a Nigerian Army Identity Card with serial number 387140.

The defendant was also alleged to have had a forged certificate of confirmation, dated November 7, 2018, purporting same to have emanated from the Nigerian Army Headquarters.

(NAN)