Lagos socialite, Fred Ajudua, was on Tuesday re-arraigned before the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, for allegedly defrauding a former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi (retd) of $10.3 million while they were both in Kirikiri Maximum prison, Lagos.

Ajudua was arraigned before a new judge, Justice Josephine Oyefeso on an amended 28- count charge bordering on conspiracy to obtain money under false pretences by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The socialite’s arraignment took place after Justice Oyefeso had dismissed his application challenging the court’s jurisdiction to try the case.

He was earlier arraigned before Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye on May 26 last year.

Ajudua pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The EFCC prosecutor, Mr. Seidu Atteh, alleged that Ajudua and others obtained the money in different tranches between November 2004 and December 2005 under the pretence of giving it to Justice Olubunmi Oyewole through Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) as part payment of professional fees to facilitate Bamaiyi’s release from prison.

Atteh alleged that Ajudua received a total of $10.3m and N2million from Bamaiyi.