ABUJA – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended Lagos socialite and businessman Fred Ajudua in Abuja. The Fred Ajudua arrest on Tuesday directly stems from an alleged $1.43 million fraud. His detention follows a dramatic Supreme Court decision just days prior, which revoked his bail and ordered him to be remanded in the Correctional Service. A senior EFCC source confirmed Ajudua is being held pending his re-arraignment.
Supreme Court Ruling Triggers Manhunt, Arrest
The decisive action by Nigeria’s Supreme Court on Friday, May 5, 2025, set the stage for the Fred Ajudua arrest. The apex court’s ruling overturned a previous bail granted to Ajudua by the Court of Appeal in Lagos. This move by the highest court signals a stronger judicial resolve in tackling high-profile financial crime cases.
Reports indicate Ajudua may have attempted to evade authorities immediately after the Supreme Court’s order. His eventual capture now brings fresh attention to the challenges of enforcing court directives within Nigeria’s legal system.
Decades-Old $1.43 Million Fraud Allegations
Fred Ajudua’s entanglement with this specific fraud allegation is not new; it stretches back over three decades. The case originated in 1993 with accusations that he defrauded a German businessman of $1.43 million. Years later, in 2016, the EFCC formally filed a 28-count charge against him, including conspiracy and obtaining money through false pretences.
The path to this Fred Ajudua arrest has been marked by numerous legal delays. These included multiple bail requests citing health reasons and even a thwarted arrest attempt in 2007. The EFCC has not yet released an official public statement regarding Tuesday’s arrest.
By Abiodun Labi
