By Abdulahmeed Abdulrozaq Bilal | Fact Frontier.
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Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos has issued a warrant for the arrest of a Nigerian businessman, Rolland Oluwasegun Elusoji, over his alleged involvement in a N1.2 billion fraud.
The arrest warrant, officially designated as Form E, was signed by the judge on February 18, 2026, following the defendant’s failure to appear in court for his arraignment. The court had previously scheduled the defendant to take his plea regarding allegations of obtaining money under false pretense, but his absence necessitated the coercive order.
According to court documents, Elusoji is facing a six-count charge brought against him by the police. He is accused of conspiring with others now at large to defraud one Otunba Seye Famojuro to the tune of N1.2 billion. The funds were allegedly collected under the pretext of assisting the complainant in purchasing a luxury vehicle and acquiring real estate property.
Investigations revealed that the businessman allegedly converted the funds to personal use, failing to deliver either the promised property or the vehicle. The offence, if proven, contravenes the Advance Fee Fraud and other related offences acts.
"The defendant was duly served with the charge, and there is proof of service before this court," a source familiar with the proceedings disclosed. "Despite this, he chose not to appear, leaving the court with no option but to issue a warrant for his arrest to ensure he answers to the allegations."
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had previously declared Elusoji wanted in connection with the case. Police prosecutors informed the court that efforts to apprehend the businessman have been ongoing, with intelligence suggesting he may be evading arrest by shuttling between Nigeria and other West African countries.
The case has drawn attention due to the significant amount involved and the alleged breach of trust. Famojuro, the complainant, had reportedly entered into what he believed was a legitimate business transaction with Elusoji, only to discover that the representations made were false.
In addition to issuing the arrest warrant, Justice Owoeye has ordered that the businessman be produced in court immediately upon his arrest. The case has been adjourned until May 25, 2026, for the defendant's arraignment.
Legal experts note that the issuance of a bench warrant underscores the judiciary's insistence on the presence of defendants in criminal matters. Failure to honour court summons, they say, often leads to such coercive measures to ensure that justice is served.
As of the time of filing this report, Elusoji remains at large, and law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to track his movements. The police have appealed to members of the public with useful information regarding his whereabouts to come forward.
