The prosecution alleges that between May and September 2015, the defendants fraudulently obtained $42,485,900 from Ecobank Plc by misrepresenting the funds as being for the importation of Indian parboiled rice. The government claims the defendants secured $22,485,900 in May 2015 and an additional $20 million in September 2015, only to divert and convert the money for unauthorized purposes.

During recent proceedings, Justice Aluko addressed a petition that accused him of bias and misconduct. While the judge defended his conduct—noting that his previous actions, such as ordering hearing notices, were intended to keep the case moving—he expressed concern that the petition was a tactic to delay the trial. Citing professional conduct rules that prohibit lawyers from obstructing the administration of justice, he criticized the frequent absences of the defense counsel.

Despite dismissing the allegations as unsubstantiated and asserting he had no personal interest in the matter, Justice Aluko chose to withdraw from the case to remove any perception of bias. The case file has been sent to the Administrative Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment, effectively stalling the trial until a new judge is appointed.

The decision to appoint Obanikoro is said to have received the backing of President Bola Tinubu, who endorsed the choice during a recent meeting with Lagos State APC stakeholders. The President reportedly voiced his trust in Obanikoro’s leadership, highlighting his extensive experience in both elected and appointed public offices as key assets for steering the campaign. By bringing in an established figure known for his deep understanding of Lagos’ political landscape and grassroots mobilization, the APC aims to bolster its position for the 2027 election.

Obanikoro’s political career is marked by several decades of service at both the state and federal levels. His history includes:

• Serving as the Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture in 1999 under Governor Bola Tinubu.

• Winning the election to represent the Lagos Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly in 2003.

• Serving as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana starting in May 2008.

• Holding federal cabinet positions as Minister of State for Defence in 2013, and later as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Prior to his return to the APC, Obanikoro was a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he previously ran for the office of Governor of Lagos State.

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