By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Nigeria Police Force has detained ‘Pastor’ Fred Ajudua, a well known figure in advance fee fraud, popularly known as ‘419’, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on charges of land fraud and forgery.
According to sources within the police force, who preferred to remain anonymous, Ajudua has been in custody in Abuja for the past three days, following his arrest. Known as a pioneer in advance fee fraud, Ajudua has allegedly defrauded numerous individuals in his home state, Delta.
Ajudua’s recent legal entanglements trace back to December 2021 when he faced trial in a Lagos High Court.
Justice Josephine Oyefeso presiding over the case ordered Ajudua to undergo a COVID-19 test at the laboratory of the Yaba Infectious Diseases Centre after he failed to appear in court for his trial on three consecutive occasions.
The defendant, citing contraction of the Coronavirus, had sought exemption from appearing in court. However, the court mandated a test to verify his claim.
Ajudua’s defense counsel, Akinwale Kola-Taiwo, representing the law chambers of Olalekan Ojo (SAN), informed the court that although Ajudua was present at the court premises, he should not enter the courtroom due to testing positive for COVID-19.
Justice Oyefeso ruled that to ascertain Ajudua’s claim, he must undergo testing in the presence of representatives from both the prosecution and defense, with results communicated to the court within 48 hours.