EFCC Detains Lagos-based Socialite Fred Ajudua —Reason 

EFCC Detains Lagos-based Socialite Fred Ajudua —Reason 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended Lagos-based socialite and businessman Fred Ajudua over an alleged $1.43 million fraud.

The arrest occurred yesterday in Abuja, following a Supreme Court ruling on May 5, 2025, which revoked Ajudua’s bail and ordered his remand in prison custody.

According to Vanguard, A senior EFCC official at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed this development.

The source said: “Operatives of EFCC have arrested Lagos-based socialite and businessman, Fred Ajudua, pending his re-arraignment for an alleged $1.43 million fraud. He was arrested in Abuja on Tuesday and is currently in EFCC custody.”

This arrest marks a new chapter in the long-standing legal battle between Ajudua and the EFCC, dating back several decades.

Ajudua has faced multiple allegations of advance-fee fraud since the 1990s.

The Supreme Court’s decision to revoke his bail overturned a previous ruling by the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal, which had granted him bail.

The apex court’s ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to enforcing accountability in high-profile fraud cases.

Ajudua’s legal issues began in 1993 when he was accused of defrauding a German businessman of $1.43 million.

Over the years, he has been linked to further allegations, including defrauding two Dutch nationals of $1.69 million between 1999 and 2000, and allegedly swindling former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi, of $8.4 million in 2004 while both were detained at Kirikiri prison.

In 2016, the EFCC filed a 28-count charge against Ajudua for conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretences.

The case has since been marred by repeated delays, health-related bail requests, and a botched arrest attempt in 2007.

As of now, EFCC has declined to provide additional information on the arrest.