Breaking: Supreme Court Strikes Out Ajudua’s Motion, Rejects Nadabo Energy MD’s Appeal

The Supreme Court on Friday struck out a motion filed by alleged fraudster Fred Ajudua after his counsel formally withdrew the application challenging an earlier judgment of the apex court.

In the same sitting, the Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by Mr. Abubakar Ali Peters, Managing Director of Nadabo Energy Limited, who sought to overturn the Court of Appeal’s decision revoking his bail and imposing stricter conditions.

Peters had also asked the court for permission to travel abroad for medical treatment, a request the Supreme Court declined. The justices directed him instead to return to the trial court to conclude his ongoing criminal proceedings.

Meanwhile, at the Special Offences Court, Ikeja, where Ajudua is being tried, he also withdrew a fresh bail application on Friday before Justice Mojisola Dada.

Ajudua’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), informed the court that his client had filed a notice of withdrawal of his motion at the Supreme Court to enable the lower court proceed with its pending ruling on the bail application.

Ojo explained that Ajudua, who is reportedly suffering from chronic kidney disease and severe hypertension, appeared in court in person in compliance with his undertakings.

EFCC counsel, Seidu Atteh, did not oppose the withdrawal but urged the court to await official confirmation from the Supreme Court that the motion had indeed been struck out.

Justice Dada agreed, noting that the trial court must be satisfied that the apex court had formally disposed of the motion before taking further steps.

The court then proceeded with trial proceedings.

The third prosecution witness, Afanda Bashir Emmanuel, an EFCC investigator, testified that the Commission contacted the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and its forensic laboratory during investigations into Ajudua’s alleged $1.043 million fraud against Palestinian businessman Zad Abu Zalaf.

Under cross-examination, the witness confirmed visiting Ajudua at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison and interviewing several witnesses.

The matter was adjourned till November 20 and 21, 2025, for continuation of cross-examination.