An Ikeja High Court in Lagos, on Monday, fixed January 12, 2017 for the re-arraignment of a Lagos socialite, Fred Ajudua, on charges bordering on fraud.

Justice J.E. Oyefeso fixed the date following Mr. Ajudua’s absence in court to answer to the charges preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes commission, EFCC.

Mr. Ajudua is charged on 28 counts bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence.

When the case was called on Monday, defence counsel, Allens Agbaka, informed the court that he only became aware of the case in the morning.

He told the court that he had tried to contact the defendant but was informed that he was hospitalised.

Mr. Agbaka prayed the court for an adjournment to enable the defendant attend court, promising that he would ensure his presence when next the case comes up.

Consequently, the court fixed January 12, 2017 for the re-arraignment.

In the charge, Mr. Ajudua, alongside others who are now said to be at large, were alleged to have committed the offences in December 2004.

He was alleged to have obtained the sum of one million dollars from Lt. General Bamaiyi by falsely representing that it was part payment of the professional fees charged by Afe Babalola to handle his case.

He was also said to have, on December 27, 2004, obtained the sum of $350,000 from Mr. Bamaiyi, also on the pretence that it represented part payment of the professional fees of Mr. Babalola, to secure his representation.

The offence is said to have contravened the provisions of Section 1 (3) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 13 of 1995 as amended by Act No. 62 of 1999.

(NAN)