Fraud: Court adjourns Stella Obasanjo’s brother’s trial

John Abebe, Obasanjo's brother-in-law

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja on Monday turned down an application by late Stella Obasanjo’s brother John Abebe for the release of his international passport, adjourning his case to January 25.

Mr Abebe is being prosecuted for alleged $4m fraud.

He is facing trial over a four-count charge of forgery, fabricating evidence, using fabricated evidence and attempt to pervert the course of justice preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In the application made orally, Abebe through his counsel E.D. Onyeke sought the release of the passport to enable him travel to the United Kingdom.

Abebe’s lawyer told the court that his client lost his mother over the weekend in the UK, hence the request for the release of his passport.

However, in her response, Justice Dada ordered the defendant to file a formal application to the court. “Your oral application is not welcome,” the judge held.