Judge Recuses Self From $42.5 Million Rice Fraud Trial Amid Bias Allegations

A $42.5 million rice import fraud trial involving Ecobank Plc and five defendants was stalled in Lagos after the trial judge, Justice Akintayo Aluko, recused himself. The judge cited allegations of misconduct and bias leveled against him in a petition.

The defendants, identified as Indian nationals Prem Garg and Devashish Garg, British citizen Marcus Wade, and foreign-registered companies Agrico Agbe Limited and Wilben Trade Limited, face a five-count charge. These include conspiracy, obtaining by false pretense, cheating, and conversion related to fraudulent rice import transactions.

Prosecutors allege that between May and September 2015, the defendants conspired to obtain $42,485,900 from Ecobank under the pretense of importing Indian parboiled rice. However, the funds were allegedly diverted for other purposes, contrary to their agreement. The prosecution contends that the funds were never used for the intended transactions.

During the proceedings, Justice Aluko addressed the petition's claims, referencing a Court of Appeal decision. He maintained that his actions were proper and suggested the petition might aim to delay the trial. The alleged offenses contravene sections of Nigeria's Criminal Code Act.