By Jane Echewodo
Lagos—A prosecution witness in the on-going trial of a Federal High Court judge, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia,  Ademola Oshodi yesterday told an Ikeja High Court, how some account opening requirements were waived in opening a corporate bank account for the embattled Judge.

Oshodi, a staff  of Diamond Bank Plc, made the disclosure while giving evidence against Ofili-Ajumogobia and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Godwin Obla over allegation of corruption. Both of them were charged for alleged perverting the course of justice by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia

They denied the allegations.

Led in evidence by Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, the counsel to the EFCC, the witness said, “Hon. Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia is the signatory to the account Nigel and Colive, which is a corporate account. The account opening forms were filled by myself but executed and signed by Hon. Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia, the forms were filled in my office.

“I did not meet any of the directors of the company as at the time I was opening the account. The company is into general business and is located at No. 18, Lai Ajayi Bembe Road, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos.”

The banker during yesterday’s  proceedings went ahead to tell the court of how cash deposits ranging from N900,000 to N8.8 million were made by him into the account on behalf of the judge.

“I made the deposits on her behalf, I got the money from either her office, her home or from her Bureau De Change operative,” the witness said.

After the witness gave evidence, Omotola Akanni (SAN) representing  Ajumogobia, requested for permission to cross-examine Oshodi at the next court date.

Justice Hakeem Oshoddi granted  the request of the lawyer while adjourned the case till  March 10 for cross-examination of the prosecution witness and March 17 for continuation of trial.

Lawyer to Obla, Mr I.A Adedipe (SAN) in his submission before the court, also requested that the international passport of his client, handed over to the court as part of his bail conditions be released to enable him make a trip abroad.

Oshodi in his ruling while granting Adedipe request said “Prayer one of the application before this honourable court is granted.