Second son of the late business mogul and politician, Chief MKO Abiola, Deji, who is standing trial before an Ikeja High Court on a one-count charge bordering on stealing by fraudulent conversion, has opted for an out-of- court settlement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

When the case came up yesterday before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo, Deji’s lawyer, Mr. Jimoh Lasisi (SAN), expressed shock that the prosecution was not in court and informed the court that his client had reached an agreement with the anti-graft agency.

“I am surprised that the prosecution is not in court today. There are moves to settle the matter out of court which almost got finalised yesterday but for some reasons we could not conclude,” he said.

Lasisi thereby applied for a date to enable the parties finalise the settlement, which, according to him, was almost concluded.

Onigbanjo who earlier stated that there was a pending application before the court, endorsed his application and fixed December 1 for mention of the suit. Deji was alleged to have on May 24, 2008 collected N35.5 million from one Mr. Jide Jose, under the pretext of importing printing machines from Switzerland.

The agency had alleged that he collected N35.5 million from Mr. Jide Jose on May 24, 2008 after promising to supply him printing machines from Switzerland but never imported or supplied the machines, but converted the money to his personal use.

The alleged offence contravenes Section 390 (7) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C17, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.
Abiola had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail.


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