RismadarVoice Reporters, February 27, 2026
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has approached the Supreme Court of Nigeria, seeking to revoke the bail granted to Lagos socialite Fred Chijindu Ajudua by the Court of Appeal in Lagos.
In a notice of appeal dated 20 February 2026 and filed at the apex court in Abuja, the EFCC challenged the entire ruling of the Court of Appeal delivered on 30 January 2026, which admitted Ajudua to bail. The anti-graft agency argued that the appellate court erred in law by dismissing the prosecution’s preliminary objection and granting bail to the defendant.
The EFCC contended that the Court of Appeal misinterpreted an earlier Supreme Court judgment delivered on 9 May 2025 in related appeals involving Ajudua, which the Commission said effectively foreclosed further consideration of bail and ordered the respondent to remain in custody pending the speedy trial of the charges. The Commission argued that the appellate court’s decision violated the doctrine of judicial hierarchy and the finality of Supreme Court decisions.
Central to the dispute is the interpretation of the Supreme Court’s discussion on the relationship between jurisdiction and bail. The EFCC maintained that by granting fresh bail, the Court of Appeal contravened Sections 235 and 275(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which make decisions of the Supreme Court final and binding on lower courts.
The Commission also challenged the appellate court’s reliance on Ajudua’s medical report dated 19 November 2025, claiming the kidney-related ailments cited by the defendant have been long-standing since 1987 and had repeatedly been used to delay trial. The EFCC alleged inconsistencies in the medical reports and argued that the Court of Appeal failed to properly evaluate the evidence before granting bail.
EFCC further warned that allowing Ajudua to remain on bail would frustrate the Supreme Court’s directive for a speedy trial, noting that, despite previous bail periods, only one prosecution witness had been called over an extended period.
Ajudua is standing trial for allegedly defrauding Palestinian businessman Zad Abu Zalaf of $1.043 million. The EFCC is praying the Supreme Court to revoke the bail granted on 30 January 2026 and restore the trial court’s ruling of 20 November 2025, which had refused bail.
No hearing date has yet been announced at the Supreme Court.
