* Pix source : Guardian Nigeria
A mild drama occurred today at the Federal High Court, Lagos, as one of the richest men in the country, Oba Otudeko, was shielded from camera after the court’s sitting, and sandwiched into his waiting vehicle outside the court premises.
Otudeko was summoned by Justice Mohammed Idris, at the instance of Ecobank Plc to testify in a suit between one his companies, Anchorage Nigeria Limited, and the bank, over alleged N5.5 billion debt.
However, the trial on the matter was stalled following the objection raised by the Ecobank lawyer, A. O. Divine, who informed the court that Otudeko’s statement on oath was served on him while in court today.
Though, Otudeko’s lawyer, Olabode Olanipekun, had informed the court that inspite of the decision of Ecobank lawyer not to examine Otudeko on his statement on oath, the court should allow him to cross-examine the witness (Otudeko) on the statement.
But due to argument and counter-argument from both parties on Otudeko’s statement on oath, the Presiding Judge adjourned the matter till February 14, for both parties to address the court on the Otudeko’s statement on oath.
Upon adjourning the matter and as parties were coming out of the courtroom, with the positioning of camera by Channel Television, to record those that present in court from both parties, Oba Otudeko’s entourage made frantic efforts to block the camera from recording their boss, as the business man was sandwich among by men suspected to be security aides while some attempted to break the camera.
Oba Otudeko was later sandwiched and guarded into his waiting Range Rover SUV.
Otudeko who is the alter ego of Honeywell group Plc, was summoned by the court, during Tuesday’s proceedings, to give evidence, in relation to an alleged N5.5billion debt allegedly owed Ecobank Nigeria Plc.
