Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, has dismissed a fresh bail application filed by socialite Fred Ajudua, who is standing trial for allegedly defrauding Palestinian businessman Zad Abu Zalaf of $1.043 million.
In a ruling delivered on Thursday, November 20, 2025, Justice Dada held that Ajudua failed to present new or compelling facts capable of justifying another bail request. She described the application as “not meritorious” and subsequently struck it out.
The judge noted that the two medical reports submitted from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) offered no evidence that the hospital could not adequately manage the defendant’s health condition.
According to her, “there is nothing alarming in the application that will warrant a change in the circumstance of the defendant… The application is unmeritorious and is hereby struck out.”
Following the ruling, Ajudua’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), informed the court of a pending application dated November 17, 2025, challenging the competence of the third prosecution witness (PW3) to continue his testimony. Ojo noted that although the prosecution had been served with the motion, it had not yet filed a response.
“It is expedient, my Lord, that this motion be heard and determined before the continuation of trial. Nevertheless, your Lordship’s decision is final,” Ojo said.
Prosecuting counsel, Seidu Atteh confirmed receipt of the application and requested time to respond on points of law.
The development follows a recent Supreme Court decision striking out a motion filed by Ajudua challenging its earlier judgment in the same fraud case. Before the ruling, Ajudua had already filed a notice of withdrawal of the application at the lower court.
With the apex court’s decision clearing the way, the long-running trial resumed on October 31, 2025, before Justice Dada.
The matter dates back to 2005, when it was first assigned to Justice M.O. Obadina of the Lagos High Court. Over the years, the trial has suffered several delays, largely attributed to various applications and legal maneouvres linked to the defendant.
The case was later reassigned to Justice J.E. Oyefeso and subsequently to Justice Dada, before whom Ajudua was re-arraigned on June 4, 2018.
Justice Dada on Thursday ordered the defence to proceed with the cross-examination of PW3, Afanda Bashir Emmanuel.
The court adjourned the matter until November 28, 2025, for the hearing of the pending application and continuation of trial.
Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity
November 21, 2025