FLASHBACK: In a shocking development that reverberated throughout the country in 2024, Justice Ibrahim Ahmad Kala of a Federal High Court located in Lagos postponed the ruling on the bail request of Lanre Smith, a businessman accused of fraud amounting to $26,000, until February 6, 2024. The trial was anticipated to begin right after the bail ruling.

Reflecting on the events of 2024, it is evident that this case held substantial significance and posed extensive consequences for both the defendant and the purported victims of the fraud. The court's choice to defer the ruling on the bail request marked a pivotal moment in the proceedings, ultimately shaping the direction of the trial.

The proceedings initiated on January 30, 2024, when the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) of the Nigerian Police formally charged Lanre Smith with three counts related to conspiracy, money laundering derived from illegal activities, and fraud. The defendant entered a plea of not guilty, leading the court to postpone the case until February 5, 2024, to review the bail application.

On February 5, 2024, ASP Mike Enejere represented the prosecution, while Mr. Akin Apara defended the accused. Additionally, Mr. A. E. Ushie was present in the courtroom as a watching brief for the nominal complainant.

The defense attorney informed the court about the bail application filed in accordance with Section 115(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and Section 36 of the constitution. Counsel appealed to the court to grant bail to the defendant on favorable terms, proceeding with the argument for the application.

Conversely, the prosecutor presented and reiterated an 11-paragraph counter affidavit contesting the bail, urging the court to thoroughly review all submitted documents and exercise its discretion in favor of the prosecution, thereby denying bail for the accused.

Notably, the prosecutor revealed that the primary witness for the prosecution had returned to Nigeria late on Sunday, January 28, 2024, and was present in court, but was unable to testify due to health issues. He requested an adjournment, which the court subsequently granted.

The accusations against Lanre Smith were serious in nature, with the prosecution alleging that he deliberately engaged in a financial transaction involving proceeds from unlawful activities. Specifically, he was accused of tricking one Lindy Drake into depositing $26,000 into a U.S. Well Fargo account under the name Wilok Limited, managed by one Okwudili Okeke, with the intention of facilitating a defined unlawful activity.

Moreover, it was alleged that the defendant fraudulently secured approximately N10.1 million from Okeke, pretending he had deposited $26,000 into his U.S. Well Fargo account. This statement was allegedly false, and the funds were said to have originated from illegal activities.

The offenses attributed to the defendant were said to violate Sections 1(1)(a), 7, and 7(2)(b) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act, 2006.