An Ikeja Special Offences Court on Wednesday issued a bench warrant against the Managing Director of Homeland and Overseas Ltd., Osita Ojeah, for failure to appear for trial for alleged N139 million theft.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo also issued a bench warrant against the company and one Anthony Nwosu, who is at large.
The three persons were arraigned in 2020 on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
After the arraignment of the defendants, the case suffered series of setbacks which frustrated commencement of trial.
During proceedings on March 10, Taiwo warned that the court would not tolerate delay tactics from both prosecution and defence.
On Wednesday, when the case was mentioned in court, EFCC counsel, defence counsel and the defendants were all not present for the trial.
Reacting to the development, the judge also revoked the bail it granted Ojeah, and adjourned the case until April 12 for commencement of trial.
According to the EFCC, the defendants, on Feb. 3, 2016, conspired, stole and converted N139 million from Virgin Forest Energy Ltd.
The alleged offences violate Sections 278(1) (a), 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015. (NAN)