Justice S. S. Ogunsanya of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has adjourned proceedings in the ongoing trial of Abubakar Ali Peters and Nadabo Energy Limited over an alleged N761.6 million fuel subsidy fraud, fixing September 24, 2026, for a ruling on a defence application challenging an amended charge filed by the prosecution.
According to a press statement signed by the Head, Media and publicity, Dele Oyewale, he said at the resumed hearing on Thursday, defence counsel, E. O. Isiramen, informed the court that the matter had been slated for the adoption of the defendants’ no-case submission. However, he drew attention to a motion challenging the prosecution’s First Amended Information filed on May 15, 2026.
Isiramen urged the court to strike out the amended charge, arguing that it was introduced after the defendants had already filed their no-case submission. He contended that the amendment substantially altered the case by changing the amount allegedly involved, introducing new names and modifying several aspects of the original charge.
According to him, the prosecution had sufficient opportunity to amend the information earlier in the proceedings, having already called eight witnesses. He maintained that the amendments amounted to overreaching the defendants and requested that the trial be determined solely on the original charge filed in February 2015.
In response, prosecution counsel, Seidu Atteh, opposed the application, relying on provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Lagos State and relevant judicial authorities. He argued that the law permits amendments to charges at any stage before judgment.Atteh maintained that the changes merely reflected evidence already presented before the court, including exhibits and witness testimonies, and did not alter the substance of the case.
He urged the court to dismiss the defence motion in the interest of justice.Peters and Nadabo Energy Limited are facing a 21-count charge bordering on forgery and alleged fuel subsidy fraud. They pleaded not guilty when arraigned in October 2015, prompting the commencement of trial. The case was instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
