N460.75m forgery trial: Court adjourns arraignment as accused cites Dubai surgery

Adjournment Over Medical Absence

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has adjourned the arraignment of Austin Albert and Jinadu Musbau Olalekan until October 5, 2026. The defendants face charges involving an alleged N460.75 million unauthorized transfer and the forgery of a company director’s signature. The case, Inspector-General of Police v. Austin Albert & 2 Others, is presided over by Justice I. A. Kala at the Ikoyi Judicial Division.

The proceedings were stalled this week due to the absence of the first defendant, Austin Albert. His lead counsel, Malam Abdul-Hakeem Adio, informed the court that Albert was currently in Dubai recovering from surgery. However, the defense did not present a medical report or supporting documentation to substantiate the claim during the hearing.

The prosecution, led by G. T. Nev, Esq., of the Directorate of Legal Services, raised concerns regarding the defendant’s absence. Nev noted that in previous hearings, the defense had only stated that Albert was out of the country without mentioning any medical indisposition. Despite these observations, the court granted the adjournment to allow for the defendants' appearance in October.

Details of the N460.75 Million Allegation

The criminal case centers on The Premiere Immigration and Advisory Limited, a Lagos-based firm jointly owned by Dr. Jane Kimemia and Austin Albert. According to the charge sheet, the sum of N460,750,000 was moved from the company’s Globus Bank account on March 6, 2026, allegedly without the knowledge or consent of Dr. Kimemia.

The funds were reportedly transferred to an account belonging to New Power Energy and Logistics Services. The prosecution alleges that Albert, alongside the company’s Head of Finance, Jinadu Musbau Olalekan, facilitated the transaction. It is further alleged that Dr. Kimemia’s signature was forged to authorize the high-value transfer.

The charges against the duo are brought under the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, the Miscellaneous Offences Act, and the Criminal Code Act. While a third defendant, Ugumanim Okputu Joana Agwu, was initially linked to the matter on an assault-related charge, the prosecution has since dropped that count and amended the charge to focus on the financial crimes involving Albert and Olalekan.

Monitoring by FIDA Nigeria

Representatives from the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria were present in court to monitor the proceedings. Barr. Ogechi Abu, who led the delegation, stated that the organization is taking an interest in the matter because the nominal complainant, Dr. Kimemia, is a woman.

We came to watch proceedings in the case between the Inspector-General of Police and Austin Albert and two others.

— Barr. Ogechi Abu, Representative, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria

Abu observed that the defense had failed to provide details of Albert's medical condition until the most recent court date. She noted that at the last adjourned date, there was no mention of any surgery or medical emergency. Despite these procedural gaps, she acknowledged that the court acted in the interest of justice by allowing the matter to proceed according to due process.

Defense Claims Business Dispute

Counsel for the defendants, Malam Abdul-Hakeem Adio, challenged the involvement of FIDA in the matter. He argued that the case is strictly a corporate dispute involving allegations of forgery and does not involve issues of gender-based violence or specific threats to women's rights.

If you look at the entire charge sheet, the common thread is forgery. It has nothing to do with violence against a woman.

— Malam Abdul-Hakeem Adio, Counsel, Defense Team

Adio characterized the situation as a disagreement between business partners over the internal management of their company. He further disclosed that both parties have been engaged in discussions to resolve the dispute amicably. He noted that the defense had arrived at court expecting to continue settlement talks but was instead presented with an amended charge by the prosecution.

The court has scheduled the formal arraignment for October 5. Under Nigerian law, the defendants remain presumed innocent until a competent court proves their guilt.