The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday adjourned until 15 July the arraignment of Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) Interim President, Azania Omo-Agege, over allegations of fraud exceeding N40 million.
Justice Mohammed Umar fixed the new date after the prosecution requested additional time to produce the defendants before the court.
Counsel representing the Inspector-General of Police, Maryam Kalejaiye, told the court that the police investigating team had not yet established contact with Omo-Agege and his co-defendant, Sidali Efemana.
Neither of the accused persons nor legal representatives appeared in court during Wednesday’s proceedings.
Kalejaiye explained that the matter had originally been scheduled for the defendants to enter their plea but sought an adjournment to allow the prosecution complete necessary arrangements.
Justice Umar subsequently adjourned the matter until 15 July.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the case has suffered repeated delays due to the absence of the defendants.
A previous arraignment scheduled for 29 September 2025 could not proceed after the accused persons failed to appear in court.
Similarly, proceedings before former trial judge Inyang Ekwo on 20 March 2025 were stalled for the same reason, although Omo-Agege’s lawyer, Prof. J.E.O. Abugu, attended the hearing.
The Inspector-General of Police, in a five-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/75/2025, accused Omo-Agege, Efemana and Daniel Omughelli of conspiracy and financial crimes allegedly committed in 2022.
Efemana is identified in court documents as an official of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, while Omughelli remains at large.
The defendants are accused of criminal breach of trust, obtaining money under false pretences and issuing dud cheques in offences punishable under Section 97(1) of the Penal Code Act.
The charges were dated 24 February 2025 and formally filed before the court on 25 February 2025.
