Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has rearraigned a social media influencer, Adedamola Adewale, also known as, Adeherself, before the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja over an alleged N7.9 million internet fraud.
The EFCC docked the comedian before Justice Mojisola Dada on a three-count charge of conspiracy to obtain money by false pretences, attempt to obtain money by false pretences and retention of proceeds of criminal conduct.
The defendant, who was first arraigned before Justice Sherifat Solebo, who had since retired from the bench, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
During the proceedings, the EFCC counsel, Samuel Daji, informed the court that the case was re-assigned to the court, and there was a need for a proper bail application to be filed by the defence before the defendant could be released from custody.
He argued, “My lord, this case was heard before Justice Sherifat Solebo before she retired, and when it was transferred to this honourable court, I informed my learned friend that the case would be coming up on January 25.
“He said he thought it was the day before.
“This is a matter that is starting before your lordship, and we do not know if the sureties, who stood for her earlier, are dead or not.
“It is proper for the defence to apply afresh for bail before your lordship.”
But the defence counsel, Kassim Molade, pleaded with the court to allow his client to continue to enjoy the bail granted by Justice Solebo, pending when he would file a new bail application.
