Alleged €250,000,000: Absence of Defence Counsel Stalls Trial of Defendant

By Mohammed Bello Doka

In a surprising turn of events, the trial of the late Tan Ah Chai Richard, a Malaysian national, and his company, Coastal Asia Investments Limited, was adjourned on Friday, September 22, 2023, due to the absence of the defence counsel. The trial, presided over by Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, was adjourned until November 16, 2023.

Richard and his company were initially arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on May 22, 2019. They faced a five-count charge, including forgery, use of false documents, conspiracy to forge, and an attempt to obtain money by false pretence amounting to €250,000,000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Million Euros).

Upon his arraignment, Richard pleaded "not guilty" to all charges, setting the stage for the commencement of the trial. The prosecution had already called a witness to testify against the defendant.

However, during the ongoing trial, Richard's defence counsel was conspicuously absent, leading to the adjournment of proceedings. The reason for the counsel's absence remains unknown at this time.

The case has attracted significant attention due to the magnitude of the alleged fraud. It is alleged that Richard and his company engaged in fraudulent activities involving a staggering sum of €250,000,000.00. The prosecution has been working diligently to present evidence and build a strong case against the defendant.

Justice Mojisola Dada expressed her disappointment at the absence of the defence counsel, emphasizing the need for a fair and expeditious trial. She urged all parties involved to ensure their presence at the next hearing to prevent further delays in the proceedings.

The adjournment has left both the prosecution and the public eagerly awaiting the continuation of the trial. As the case unfolds, the court will determine the fate of Richard and his company, shedding light on the alleged €250,000,000.00 fraud and its implications.

The trial is set to resume on November 16, 2023, with hopes that the defence counsel will be present to proceed with the case. Until then, the outcome of this high-profile trial remains uncertain, leaving many questions unanswered.