LAGOS, Nigeria — The Federal High Court in Lagos has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Lagos-based businessman, Rolland Oluwasegun Elusoji, over his alleged role in a ₦1.2 billion fraud case, after repeated failures to appear for his arraignment.
Justice Alexander Owoeye signed the “Form E” bench warrant on 18 February 2026, directing the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to locate and apprehend Elusoji wherever he may be found. The businessman is facing prosecution alongside two other defendants, Oladejo Funmilayo Grace and Abiola Oluwasegun, who is also reportedly at large.
Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that the trio faces multiple charges, including conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretences, and money laundering. According to the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) in Ikoyi, the defendants allegedly defrauded Otunba Seye Famojuro of ₦1,207,000,000 under the guise of acquiring luxury real estate and purchasing a 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 63S.
The prosecution told the court that despite being served with the charge marked FHC/L/583C/’25 through his personal email and legal counsel, and following a court order granted in November 2025, Elusoji has continually failed to appear in court to enter his plea. Chief Superintendent of Police Achi Caleb, representing the prosecution, applied for the bench warrant after Elusoji’s absence during the hearing on 18 February.
The charges against the businessman are filed under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Prosecutors allege that Elusoji knowingly received and retained funds he should have reasonably known were proceeds of unlawful activities.
With the bench warrant now active, security agencies have been empowered to track down and bring Elusoji before the court. Justice Owoeye subsequently adjourned the case to 25 May 2026 for the formal arraignment of the defendant.
The case highlights the ongoing challenges in prosecuting high-value financial crimes in Nigeria, signalling continued vigilance by the judiciary and law enforcement against economic and financial malfeasance.
