₦460m Forgery Trial in Lagos Stalled as Defendant Skips Court Over Unverified Dubai Surgery

A high-stakes trial over an alleged N460.75 million forgery and money laundering deal stalled this week at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos. The principal defendant, Austin Ugochukwu Albert, failed to appear and cited a major surgery in Dubai without offering any medical proof. Prosecuted by the Nigeria Police Force’s Directorate of Legal Services, the case accuses Albert and finance head Jinadu Musbau Olalekan of conspiring to transfer funds and forging their CEO’s signature. A third defendant’s assault count was dropped due to jurisdiction issues. Justice I. A. Kala adjourned proceedings to October 5, 2026, and ordered that both Albert and Olalekan be present with any supporting medical documents. The sudden surgery claim, raised only at this hearing, drew skepticism from the prosecution. The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) observed the session, noting the shifting defense explanations. Defence counsel said settlement talks are ongoing and expressed hope for a resolution before the next hearing.

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