The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has dismissed a long-standing criminal case filed against late Adesina Ogunlana, former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, alongside another past Chairman, late Yinka Farounbi, and the former Treasurer of the Branch, Derin Kapo. The case, which had lingered for about seven years, was struck out by Hon. Justice M.A. Dada, who held that the charges lacked merit and were not supported by credible evidence.
In delivering judgment, Justice Dada stated that the prosecution failed to establish the allegations of conspiracy and stealing brought against the defendants. The court found that the case was largely driven by malice and amounted to a form of witch-hunting rather than a genuine attempt to seek justice. According to the court, the evidence presented did not sufficiently prove any wrongdoing on the part of the accused persons.
The charges were said to have originated from a petition submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by certain members of the NBA Ikeja Branch. However, the court questioned the standing of the petitioners, holding that they lacked the legal authority, or locus, to initiate such action, particularly as the funds in question belonged to the Branch itself.
Justice Dada further noted that there was no indication from the NBA Ikeja Branch that any of its funds were missing. On the contrary, the court observed that there was clear evidence showing that monies paid into the account of the late Adesina Ogunlana were used for legitimate Branch activities. This, the court held, further weakened the prosecution’s case and reinforced the conclusion that the allegations were unfounded.
The judgment effectively brings an end to the prolonged legal battle, clearing the names of the defendants and restoring their impeccable reputations within the legal community. The decision has also been viewed as a reaffirmation of the importance of due process and the need to avoid the misuse of legal mechanisms for personal or institutional disputes.
The ruling comes with a note of solemn reflection, as two of the defendants, Adesina Ogunlana and Yinka Farounbi, are now deceased. Members of the legal community have expressed hope that the judgment brings closure and a measure of justice to their memories, while praying for the peaceful repose of their souls.
