The Federal High Court in Lagos has announced that it will deliver judgment on January 23, 2024 in the case involving a Lagos surgeon, Dr. Anuoluwapo Adepoju, who is facing allegations of a failed surgery.
Originally scheduled for the adoption of addresses on Monday [today], the court did not sit, and no counsel was present. Subsequently, it was revealed that the case had been conducted virtually, with parties adopting their addresses.
The judgment has now been rescheduled for January 23, 2024.
Dr. Adepoju, along with her clinic, Med Contour Services Ltd, is facing five counts from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), on charges relating to the alleged refusal to honour an invitation for investigation into a post-body enhancement surgery complications and the failure to produce investigation documents.
Re-arraigned on July 17, 2020 before Justice Mohammed Liman, Dr. Adepoju pleaded not guilty and was granted bail on self-recognition. Despite Justice Liman’s subsequent transfer from the Lagos division of the court, he continues to preside over the case on a flat.
The trial has commenced, with the FCCPC having closed its case. The defence filed a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had not established a case against Dr. Adepoju.
However, Justice Liman rejected the submission in a ruling on April 7, 2022, ordering the defense to present its case.
After several adjournments, the defence opened its case on May 6 of this year, calling Dr Adepoju as the sole witness.
The court later adjourned the case until June 21 for the adoption of written addresses. On June 21, the court did not sit, leading to subsequent adjournments until July 17, October 24 and November 20, respectively.
Adoption for addresses, initially scheduled for today, took place virtually, and the judgment date is now set for January 23, 2024.
In the five counts, the prosecution alleges that Dr Adepoju failed to appear before the FCCPC for an investigation into a reported failed plastic surgery.
Additionally, she is accused of refusing to produce required documents and obstructing the commission’s investigation, contravening some sections of the FCCPC Act, 2018.