Sahara Reporters has reported that Oba Otudeko, the 81-year-old former Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria, has fled the country via a land border to evade his scheduled court arraignment on fraud charges.
Otudeko’s sudden escape has sparked widespread reactions, with many questioning how such a high-profile individual managed to exit the country without raising alarms. The embattled businessman is reportedly at the center of mounting legal and financial disputes, which appear to have reached a boiling point.
According to TheCable Newspaper, Otudeko was transported to the Nigeria-Benin border on Thursday evening by a family member before crossing into Benin Republic. Security sources revealed that the move was calculated to bypass stricter controls at Nigeria’s airports, where he might have been flagged.
The allegations against Otudeko stem from financial improprieties tied to his time as a key player in Nigeria’s corporate sector. Sources suggest that the charges include fraudulent dealings and mismanagement of funds involving billions of naira. While details of the accusations remain under wraps, the businessman’s flight has raised suspicions about the gravity of the case against him.
Observers say Otudeko’s escape underscores growing concerns about the ability of Nigerian authorities to hold the powerful accountable. Critics argue that the incident highlights loopholes in the country’s border security and enforcement mechanisms, which can be exploited by individuals with resources and influence.
As public interest in the case grows, calls are mounting for Nigerian authorities to collaborate with international partners to ensure Otudeko is brought back to face justice. His sudden disappearance has added another layer of intrigue to the legal saga, leaving many wondering what consequences, if any, await the prominent businessman.
Stay tuned as more details unfold in this high-stakes drama that continues to capture the nation’s attention.
PIONEER NEWS 