The management of Firstnation Airways has categorically denied all the charges of fraud and stealing preferred against the airline and its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Kayode Odukoya by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the airline management: The charges, based on the petition by Skyebank Plc are bogus and without basis and targeted to impugn our integrity and we will vigorously defend ourselves in court.”
The management of the airline while making this declaration through a statement issued and signed by one of its officials, Mr Ademola Daniel declared: “As the matter is subjudice we are unable to discuss any further details but we wish to clarify and correct, malicious misrepresentations made against us to the media.
Although the charge was filed as far back as December 11, 2017, the EFCC did not inform either Mr Odukoya or First Nation of its existence even though Firstnation and Mr. Odukoya in good faith continued to visit EFCC offices on December 16, 2017, February 6, and March 13, 2018. At the same time, the wrong impression was being created in court, that Mr. Odukoya was avoiding arraignment. FirstNation only learnt of the charges through social media on March 9, 2018.
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“On becoming aware of the charges through the social media, Mr Kayode Odukoya voluntarily visited the EFCC on March 13th 2018 at 10 am and was subsequently detained despite the fact that he was already on administrative bail.
“On becoming aware of the charges through the social media, Mr Kayode Odukoya voluntarily visited the EFCC on March 13th 2018 at 10 am and was subsequently detained despite the fact that he was already on administrative bail.
Given the fact that the charge had already been filed, he should then have been immediately served with same to allow him effectively defend the action. Instead, Mr Odukoya was only served with the charge on Thursday, March 16, and arraigned on Friday, March 17, 2018, well outside the 48 hours required by law.
“It is instructive that we clarify that Firstnation does not owe any other banking institution (local or abroad) and dispute in good faith any indebtedness to Skyebank Plc. We will vigorously defend our innocence with respect to the charges and are confident that we will obtain justice from the court.”
Recalled that the EFCC, recently arraigned Kayode Odukoya, Managing Director, FirstNation Airways on a four-count charge of forgery, use of false information, perjury and stealing to the tune of N1. 7 billion. He was arraigned before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja.
According to charges, the defendant was said to have allegedly forged the Memorandum of Loss of Lagos State Certificate of Occupancy in respect of a property located in Lagos, so it could be acted upon as genuine.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when it was read to him.
