Scale of justice

Fraud

FRN vs Abel Egerton Sokari & 2 others

Humans

Abel Egerton Sokari
& 2 others

Money bag

€49,000,000.00
Amount allegedly defrauded

Money bag

Case Summary
The accused persons allegedly attempted to obtain the said sum from First Bank of Nigeria by falsely representing that Bayan Investment Bank and Hedge Fund Statutory Trust had transferred the aforementioned sum into account belonging to Zakah Global Investment Limited, domiciled at First Bank of Nigeria. Also, the accused allegdly had in his possession a document containing false pretences, to wit: a letter purportedly from the law office of Steven H. Sado, P.C., a lead defence attorney for U.S. President Donald Trump, a document he knew to be false.

Calendar

41
Day(s) since arraignment

Gavel

Case Update
In view of the defendant’s plea, the trial judge thereafter granted bail to them in the sum of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) each, with one surety in like sum. They were temporarily released to their respective counsel pending the perfection of their bail conditions, which must be fulfilled within one month. The case was adjourned for the commencement of trial.

Court house

Hon. Justice M. A. Dada
State High Court, Ikeja, Lagos

Legislation

ACJA/ACJL Compliance
(not applicable)

Download Case Summary
Case Information
Abel Egerton Sokari & 2 others
Presiding Judge & Designated Court
Hon. Justice M. A. Dada, State High Court, Ikeja, Lagos
Nature and Number of Charges
6-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, possession of fraudulent documents, and forgery.
Date of 1st Arraignment
Jul 7, 2025
Summary of Case
The accused persons allegedly attempted to obtain the said sum from First Bank of Nigeria by falsely representing that Bayan Investment Bank and Hedge Fund Statutory Trust had transferred the aforementioned sum into account belonging to Zakah Global Investment Limited, domiciled at First Bank of Nigeria. Also, the accused allegdly had in his possession a document containing false pretences, to wit: a letter purportedly from the law office of Steven H. Sado, P.C., a lead defence attorney for U.S. President Donald Trump, a document he knew to be false.
Defendant(s) and Plea entered on Arraignment
1. Abel Egerton Sokari – Not guilty
2. Nkiruka Chukwuma – Not guilty
3. Zakah Global Investment Limited (Company) – Not guilty
Defence Counsel(s)
1. Clement Onwenwnor, SAN (Lawyer)
2. Laolu Owolabi, SAN (Lawyer)
Prosecuting Agency
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
Prosecutor(s)
1. Hannatu .U. Kofar Naisa (Lawyer)
Status of Case
On Trial
Stage of Trial
Prosecution Stage
Length of Trial
41 day(s)
Case Update
In view of the defendant’s plea, the trial judge thereafter granted bail to them in the sum of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) each, with one surety in like sum. They were temporarily released to their respective counsel pending the perfection of their bail conditions, which must be fulfilled within one month. The case was adjourned for the commencement of trial.
ACJA/ACJL Compliance
Not Applicable
Download Case Summary