The trial of Titilayo Funmilayo Eboh, who is facing allegations of defrauding a complainant of N247.5 million, was stalled on Friday following her failure to appear before Justice Ramon Oshodi of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos.
Eboh is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside Uchenna Ejindu and Salami Eneojo Stephen on an amended four-count charge that includes obtaining by false pretence, conspiracy, money laundering, and stealing. The defendants were arraigned on January 30, 2026, for allegedly conspiring to defraud Jude Nyemike Atoh of N247.5 million under the pretext of providing the dollar equivalent, a claim they knew to be false. The charge also alleges that the defendants concealed $160,300 belonging to the complainant to disguise the illicit origin of the funds.
Defence Cites Hospitalization
During the resumed proceedings, Mike Umonnan, representing lead defence counsel Umoh Umoh (SAN), informed the court that Eboh was hospitalised. He stated, “My Lord, the lead counsel communicated last night that the defendant is ill and currently in hospital. There was no arrangement for the Correctional Centre to bring her to court.” He added that the defendant would be present at the next adjourned date but admitted he could not provide the name of the hospital where she was receiving treatment.
Counsel to the second defendant, Y.O. Galadima, also raised security concerns, noting that his client travels by road from Abuja to Lagos, which he described as unsafe.
Prosecution Objects
Prosecution counsel, Mr. Banjo Banjo and Folasade Giwa, opposed the request for adjournment, stressing that two witnesses had travelled from Abuja and Benin to attend the trial. They argued that no medical report was presented to substantiate the claim that the defendant was hospitalised. “They should mention the name of the hospital so we can verify the claim. There is nothing before the court to support it,” the prosecution submitted.
Court Ruling
In a bench ruling, Justice Oshodi held that the Nigerian Correctional Service has a duty to produce inmates in court and described the defence’s explanation as unsatisfactory. The judge subsequently directed the correctional authorities to ensure the defendant’s presence at the next hearing or provide valid reasons for her absence.
