Hon Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court in Lagos has issued a strict directive to the Nigerian Police Force, demanding the appearance of all witnesses in the ongoing N152 million property fraud trial against Oak Homes Limited and its CEO, Olukayode Olusanya.
The order marks a firm stance against further delays in the case, which has been hindered by administrative disputes and disagreements over virtual hearing requests.
Olusanya and Oak Homes face four charges: conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, fraud, and stealing. The police alleged that between November 2017 and August 2020, Olusanya and his former Head of Sales and Marketing, Lynda Umeh—who remains at large—connived to defraud a Nigerian-American engineer, Anthony Ugbebor.
According to court documents, the pair allegedly swindled Ugbebor of N152 million, claiming to sell him two three-bedroom apartments at the “Oak Residence” in Victoria Island, Lagos. Despite promising delivery by February 28, 2019, Ugbebor received neither the apartments nor his money.
The trial resumed Tuesday with tensions flaring between the prosecution and defence over the mode of hearing. CSP Monday Omo-Osagie, representing the prosecution, sought a virtual hearing, citing a Motion on Notice filed since November 4, 2025, and claiming the defendants were served at their office through an employee, Gabriel Aaron.
The defence, led by Benson Nwosu and Jude Ehiedu, rejected this, arguing that proper service had not occurred. They criticized the police for lack of diligence and urged the court to dismiss the case by compelling the prosecution to close its evidence.
“We are ready for a physical hearing. The prosecution is just dragging its feet,” the defence stated.
Despite missing proof of service in the court file—a point described as surprising by the prosecutor—Justice Kakaki refused the defence’s request to close the case. He adjourned proceedings to April 20, 2026, issuing a stern warning that the police must ensure all witnesses are present, and the court would no longer tolerate stalling tactics.
Olusanya, who appeared in court, previously pleaded “not guilty” along with his company when arraigned on November 26, 2024.
The case has drawn attention from transparency advocates, seen as a critical test of the Nigerian judiciary’s handling of property fraud cases involving high-profile developers.
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