Forgery, Money Laundering Charges: Court Reschedules Austin Albert’s Arraignment to Oct. 5

The Federal High Court in Lagos has rescheduled the arraignment of Austin Albert, the Managing Director/CEO of Loft & Keys Ltd and Loft & Keys LLC, Dubai, and his associate, Jinadu Musbau Olalekan. The duo faces charges including forgery, money laundering, unlawful fund transfer, and an alleged N460.75 million fraud. Justice Ibrahim Ahmad Kala adjourned the proceedings to October 5, 2026. The initial arraignment date of July 23 could not proceed because Albert was absent from court. His defense counsel, Abdulhakeem Adio, informed the court that the amended charge had only recently been served and that Albert was outside Nigeria. At a prior hearing, Justice Kala had instructed the defense to ensure Albert's presence at the next session. On Thursday, prosecution counsel G. T. Nev announced their appearance, while Adio represented the defendants. Ogechi Abu, leading a team from the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), appeared for the nominal complainant, alongside Oluniyi Adeniyi. The prosecution confirmed filing an amended charge on July 13, 2026, under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, setting the stage for the defendants' plea. Although the defense initially objected to the amended charge, they withdrew the objection following the court's intervention. Adio explained Albert's absence, stating his client was undergoing major surgery in Dubai and apologized on his behalf. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to settle the dispute out of court. The prosecutor countered that no medical report substantiated the surgery claim and that the prosecution was unaware of any settlement discussions. The Inspector General of Police initiated the five-count amended charge, alleging conspiracy to fraudulently transfer and convert N460,750,000 from Premiere Immigration and Advisory Limited's Globus Bank account to New Power Energy and Logistics Services without proper authorization. The charge details Albert's address as 212A Muri Okunola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, and Olalekan's as 6B Uwadia Close, Lekki, Lagos.