A Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned proceedings in the case involving the Chairman of Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko, and others until June 11, to allow for the continuation of settlement talks.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke granted the adjournment on Thursday after counsel to the first defendant, Mr. Bode Olanipekun (SAN), informed the court that discussions toward a peaceful resolution were still ongoing.
“The settlement process has not broken down,” Olanipekun stated, emphasizing that negotiations were active and progressing.
At the last court sitting on March 17, Chief Wole Olanipekun had told the court that a meeting had been held with all parties at the instance of the Attorney General to explore an amicable resolution to the matter. Prosecutor Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari also confirmed the ongoing talks but urged the court to fix a date for either a report of settlement or arraignment.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 13-count charge against Oba Otudeko, former First Bank Managing Director Olabisi Onasanya, former Honeywell board member Soji Akintayo, and a company, Anchorage Leisure Ltd. The case is registered as FHC/L/20C/2025.
The arraignment, initially scheduled for January 20, was stalled as the defendants were reportedly not served with the charges.
The court has now fixed June 11 for either a report on the settlement outcome or for the commencement of arraignment proceedings.
