Police Withdraw Charge Against Businessman, Cite New Evidence

The Inspector-General of Police has withdrawn the criminal charge filed against Nigerian businessman Austin Albert and his co-defendant, Jinadu Musbau Olalekan, before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

The withdrawal was detailed in a notice of discontinuance filed in the amended charge marked FHC/LAG/CR/388/2026, which is pending before Justice Ahmed Ibrahim Kala.

The defendants were facing allegations of money laundering, forgery, unlawful fund transfers, and intimidation.

They are accused of conspiring to transfer N460 million from Premier Immigration and Advisory Limited without the CEO’s consent, using a forged bank mandate.

In the notice dated July 24, 2026, the police stated that it was discontinuing the case against all defendants following the emergence of “certain facts” during the proceedings.

The notice, filed under Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and the court’s inherent jurisdiction, did not specify the nature of the facts prompting the decision.

However, the police indicated that the withdrawal was necessary to facilitate further investigations.

The notice read: “Notice is hereby given of the prosecutor’s withdrawal of this charge generally against the defendants in view of the fact that while the charge was pending, certain facts emerged that require the withdrawal and discontinuance of the matter for further findings.”

“Hence, the Complainant hereby withdraws and discontinues this case against the Defendants generally pending the outcome of the findings please.”

This development halts the current charge for now, although the notice’s wording suggests further investigations could affect the case’s future.

The police did not clarify whether they might reinstate the charge after the additional findings.