Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
An Ilorin High Court has ordered the remand of three Indian nationals and a Nigerian citizen in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service following their arraignment on charges of conspiracy and criminal breach of trust, in a case that has drawn attention to corporate accountability and cross-border business practices in Kwara State.
Justice Sulaiman Akanbi, presiding at the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin, issued the remand order on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, after the defendants were brought before the court by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The accused persons are Lalit Sarwat, Ravi Raghavendra and Gagan Sarswat, all Indian nationals, alongside Oniyide Samuel, an Ilorin-based dispatch manager.
The defendants were arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and criminal breach of trust, offences said to be contrary to and punishable under Sections 97 and 314 of the Penal Code. According to the prosecution, the charges stem from alleged acts committed in the course of a business relationship that involved the handling of entrusted property and funds, which investigators believe were misappropriated in violation of the law.
Court proceedings revealed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission acted following a petition alleging that the defendants, acting in concert, breached the trust reposed in them by diverting assets placed under their control for purposes other than those contractually agreed. While details of the alleged transaction were not fully ventilated in open court at this stage, prosecutors maintained that the offences were serious and required custodial measures pending further proceedings.
When the charges were read to the defendants, they pleaded not guilty. Defence counsel subsequently applied for bail on their behalf, arguing that the accused persons were willing to cooperate with the court and would not interfere with investigations or trial. The defence further submitted that the charges were bailable and urged the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the defendants.
The prosecution opposed the bail application, contending that the nature of the allegations, coupled with the status of three of the defendants as foreign nationals, raised concerns about the possibility of flight if released. Counsel for the EFCC argued that remanding the defendants would ensure their availability for trial and safeguard the integrity of the judicial process.
After listening to submissions from both sides, Justice Akanbi declined to grant bail at this stage and ordered that all four defendants be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service. The judge directed that they be held pending the hearing and determination of their formal bail application, which is expected to be argued at a later date.
The court also adjourned the matter to allow the prosecution time to present its case and for the defence to properly move its applications. Justice Akanbi emphasized the need for an expeditious trial, noting the importance of balancing the rights of the accused with the interest of justice and public confidence in the legal system.
The case has attracted public interest in Ilorin and beyond, partly due to the involvement of foreign nationals and the alleged scale of the breach of trust. Legal observers say it underscores the increasing scrutiny being applied to business operations and managerial conduct, especially where complaints involve financial impropriety and alleged abuse of entrusted authority.
Officials of the EFCC have reiterated the commission’s commitment to pursuing cases of economic and financial crimes without fear or favour. According to the anti-graft agency, the prosecution aligns with its broader mandate to deter corruption and protect the integrity of commercial transactions, whether involving local or foreign actors operating within Nigeria.
The Nigerian Correctional Service confirmed that arrangements had been made to receive the defendants in line with the court’s order. Sources within the service said the accused would be treated in accordance with established regulations while awaiting the next court date.
As the case proceeds, attention will turn to the evidence the prosecution intends to present and how the defence will challenge the allegations. For now, the remand order signals the court’s resolve to ensure that those accused of serious financial offences remain within the reach of the law while due process takes its course.
The outcome of the trial is expected to have implications for corporate governance practices and the handling of trust-based responsibilities in business relationships across Kwara State and beyond. Observers note that the judiciary’s handling of the matter will be closely watched as a test of accountability and the rule of law in cases involving complex commercial disputes and alleged financial misconduct.
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