By Eniola Kehinde, Femi Ilori, Raliat Mosunmola
L-R: Habeeb Okikiola (Portable), Mrs Aderemi Olaleye
Introduction:
In a shocking display of judicial inconsistency, one Mrs Aderemi Fagbemi-Olaleye has been implicated in an alleged case of forgery and fraudulent property transfer involving FBN Quest Trustees Ltd, a subsidiary of First Bank PLC. This case not only exposes the audacity of white-collar crime in Nigeria but also raises fundamental concerns about the double standards in law enforcement and the judicial system’s complicity in shielding certain individuals from accountability.
After receiving an official invitation from the Inspector General of Police’s Special Investigation Unit (IGP-SIU) in Abuja, the accused has resorted to evasive tactics, including making an outrageous request that the police fund her travel expenses before she honors their summons. Such brazen disregard for the legal process underscores the glaring hypocrisy of a system that aggressively pursues ordinary citizens while allowing well-connected individuals to manipulate due process at will.
Background of the Case:
The controversy centers around a forged transfer of deed connected to a trust application at FBN Quest Trustees Ltd, a subsidiary of First Bank PLC. The petitioner, Dr. Olufemi Olaleye, through his legal representatives, formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police, triggering an official investigation into the fraudulent activities orchestrated by Mrs Aderemi Fagbemi-Olaleye in an attempt to unlawfully claim ownership of assets.
Following this, the IGP-SIU extended a formal invitation for questioning to the accused, yet rather than complying, she submitted a written request asking the police to pay for her flight before she could appear. This absurd and unprecedented request typifies the selective enforcement of justice in Nigeria, where privileged individuals can stall legal proceedings without consequence.
This is not the first time Mrs Aderemi Fagbemi Olaleye has attempted to manipulate the legal system for personal gain. Previously, she wrongfully accused Dr. Olufemi Olaleye in a protracted legal battle, aiming to appropriate his assets. The Court of Appeal in Lagos ultimately discharged and acquitted Dr. Olaleye, recognizing that her actions were motivated by greed rather than a pursuit of justice. Despite this legal vindication, she continues to exploit legal and financial systems to her advantage.
Evasive Maneuvers & Complicity:
Beyond the accused’s blatant refusal to comply, the silence and inaction from FBN Quest Trustees Ltd and First Bank PLC raise even deeper concerns. How did such a forgery make its way into official records under the watch of a financial institution? Who within these institutions enabled or overlooked the manipulation of legal documents for personal gain?
Judicial Hypocrisy and Double Standards:
The disparity in the application of justice becomes even more glaring when comparing this case to recent events. For instance, the Ogun State Police Command swiftly declared popular artist Habeeb Okikiola, known as Portable, wanted for allegedly assaulting government officials and evading police invitations. Portable’s face and name have been widely circulated on wanted posters across the internet, and the police have obtained a court order for his arrest.
In stark contrast, Mrs Aderemi Fagbemi Olaleye, accused of forgery and fraudulent property transfer, has not faced similar public exposure or decisive action from law enforcement, despite her blatant refusal to comply with official summons.
This inconsistency raises critical questions about the impartiality and effectiveness of Nigeria’s judicial system. This incident further illustrates how Nigeria’s judicial system applies one set of rules for the powerful and another for ordinary citizens.
Had the roles been reversed—if a man accused of forgery ignored a police invitation or demanded that authorities finance his travel—it is inconceivable that he would not have been forcibly arrested and paraded before the media.
Yet, in this case, we see law enforcement dragging its feet, hesitating to act decisively, and allowing an accused forger to dictate the terms of their investigation. This selective application of justice fosters a dangerous precedent—one where the wealthy, well-connected, or influential can simply evade accountability while victims remain trapped in bureaucratic red tape.
Call to Action:
This is no longer just a private dispute—it is a test case for the credibility of Nigeria’s legal and financial institutions. The following urgent steps must be taken:
1. The IGP-SIU must enforce the law impartially by compelling Mrs Aderemi Fagbemi Olaleye to immediately comply with the police invitation or face legal consequences for obstruction of justice.
2. First Bank PLC and FBN Quest Trustees Ltd must publicly address their role in this fraudulent transaction and conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the forged transfer of deed.
3. Civil society, legal professionals, and the media must hold law enforcement accountable to ensure that cases like this are not swept under the rug due to personal connections or financial influence.
Conclusion:
This case represents everything that is wrong with Nigeria’s justice system—a system that is quick to prosecute the weak but hesitant when it comes to the powerful. If we allow such blatant fraud, forgery, and abuse of legal process to go unchecked, we embolden future criminals to manipulate the system without fear of repercussions.
It is time for full transparency, media scrutiny, and legal action to ensure that justice is not just a privilege for the powerful but a right for all Nigerians.