Alleged fraud: Court okays extradition of Lagos businessman Surajudeen Lasisi

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the application by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) for the extradition of Lagos businessman, Adesina Surajudeen Lasisi to the United States (US).

Lasisi is wanted in the US in relation to his alleged involvement in criminal activities in respect of which a 17-count charge has been filed against him in a court in Texas.

He is charged with sundry offences including conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, actual commission of mail and wire fraud, money laundering, among others.

Lasisi’s alleged co-defendants are said to be currently standing trial in the US.

In a judgment on Thursday, Justice Emeka Nwite upheld the argument by lawyer to the AGF, Akutah Pius Ukeyima, that his client has complied with all relevant provisions of the Extradition Act in bring the application.

Justice Nwite rejected the objection raised by Lasisi’s lawyer, Victor Okpara (SAN), against the competence of the application and its accompanying documents.

The judge held that the entirety of the counter-argument proffered by respondent’s lawyer was merely on technicality.

“I have carefully perused the application for extradition and the accompanying address and find that they are in substantial compliance with the rules.

“The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation has complied with the requirement of the Extradition Act…The applicant has met all the requirements and deserves to be granted,” Justice Nwite said.

He noted that the respondent is wanted for the offences of conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering and related offences, which are extraditable offences.

The judge added that it will not be in the interest of justice to reject the application for his extradition.

He noted that the victim of Lasisi’ alleged offences are crying for justice, and that it was in his interest that he proceeds to the US to defend himself against the offences alleged.

The judge ordered that Lasisi should be held in the custody of the EFCC preparatory to the directive of the AGF for his surrender to the US after 15 days of the judgment. (The Nation)