Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos has directed lawyer Charles Adeyoriju to produce his missing Chinese client, Mr. Su Donghai, in court on May 22, 2025, for his arraignment concerning an alleged N1 billion fraud.
Donghai is being charged along with two Nigerians and two companies by the operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (Force CID) in Ikoyi, Lagos. The other defendants in the case, marked FHC/L/695c/2024, are Stanley Tochukwu Okafor, 41; Ogunade Oladele Oluwaseun, 40; WNW Energy Technical Development Limited; and HAOTI International Limited.
The defendants face 11 charges, including conspiracy, forgery, obtaining by false pretense, and fraud.
Justice Aluko issued the order following submissions by the prosecutor, Barrister S.A. Ogalla. Initially, the case was adjourned for the arraignment of the defendants, but when the hearing resumed, it was noted that Su Donghai was absent. Adeyoriju, the lawyer for the Chinese national, explained that his client was in China but would appear at the next hearing.
Despite the absence of the defendant, the court proceeded with other legal proceedings, with Barristers Ayi Ekpenyoung Ema and Kayode Lawal representing Okafor and Oluwaseun. Adeyoriju, however, objected to an adjournment requested by the prosecution, stating that the arraignment had already been delayed several times due to the prosecution’s actions.
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Justice Aluko reprimanded Adeyoriju, stating that it was the failure of his client to attend the hearings that was delaying the case. The judge made it clear that Adeyoriju’s client was stalling the process and dismissed further arguments from the defense lawyer.
In response, Barrister Ogalla cited legal provisions from the 1999 Constitution and the Police Act of 2020, asserting the authority of the Attorney General’s office and the police to prosecute the case. He suggested that the court either issue a bench warrant to compel Donghai’s appearance or order Adeyoriju to produce him for arraignment.
Justice Aluko ruled in favor of the prosecution, adjourning the case to May 22, 2025, and ordering Adeyoriju to ensure his client’s presence in court for the proceedings.
