14th September, 2010
An accused, Humphrey Obasi, 62, who is standing trial before the Shomolu Magistrate’s Court in Shomolu, Lagos Nigeria, has reportedly jumped bail and absconded to the United States of America.
Obasi, who is facing a one-count charge of fraud, was alleged to have fraudulently obtained N39,750,000 ($265,000) and another N500,000 from Mr. and Mrs. Nwigwe of Block 92, Flat 5, Ijaiye Housing Estate, Agege, Lagos, between July and December 2008, under the pretex of assisting them to ship 2,350 picture frames from China.
Obasi, who claimed to be operating a company, Watcom Inc. at 1255, Harrod Avenue, Bronx New York, 10472, USA, was first arraigned before the court on 12 January, 2010, and has since failed to attend court after he was granted bail.
It was learnt his counsel, Barrister Richard Mogaji once told the court that the accused was sick and admitted in one of the government hospitals in the state.
When the case came up again on 8 September, 2010, the prosecutor, Mr. Adegoke Akinlabi, an Inspector of Police told the court that contrary to what the counsel told the court earlier that he gathered from a reliable source that the accused had traveled out of the country.  He urged the court to issue a bench warrant against the accused person so that his sureties will be summond to show cause.
However, his counsel said the accused was sick and the court had been informed about the sickness; and that he only travelled to America for medical treatment, and that he would come to court any time he returns to the country.
The trial magistrate, Mrs. B. O. Osunsanmi, ordered the a bench warrant against the accused and that his surety must show cause why he will not be committed to prison.The case was adjourned for trial.
The one-count charge against Obasi reads, ‘‘that you Humphrey Obasi, between the months of July and December 2008 in the Shomolu Magisterial District, did collect the sum of $260,000 and N500, 000 from Mr. and Mrs. Nwigwe, under pretex of shipment of picture frames for them from China, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 419 of the Criminal Code Cap. C17, Vol. 2. Laws of Lagos state of Nigeria 2003.’’
He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety in the like sum.
—Paul Sanusi