A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered 48 individuals to present themselves to the Department of State Services, Lagos State Command, within 45 days to respond to allegations of fraud and the receipt of suspected proceeds of fraud.

The order was issued in Lagos as part of ongoing legal proceedings linked to an investigation by the Department of State Services.

Also read: Customs inducts 70 PR officers in major reform boost

The court directed the affected individuals to make themselves available to the security agency within the stipulated period to enable investigators to address the allegations.

The ruling marks a significant development in the investigation, although the court has not pronounced any of the individuals guilty of wrongdoing.

The directive is intended to give those named an opportunity to cooperate with investigators and clarify their positions before any further legal steps are considered.

Under Nigerian law, allegations of fraud and the receipt of proceeds of crime require proof before a court, and those affected remain entitled to the presumption of innocence unless convicted.

The latest order reflects the continued use of judicial oversight in investigations involving financial crimes and alleged illicit proceeds.

Nigerian courts have, in previous cases, authorised investigative agencies to compel appearances, preserve assets and facilitate inquiries where investigators present sufficient grounds for such applications.

A representative of the Department of State Services had not publicly commented on the substance of the allegations at the time of publication. Likewise, no public response from the affected individuals was immediately available.

Also read: Customs inducts 70 PR officers in major reform boost

The case is expected to return to court after the 45-day period, when the court may receive updates on compliance with the order and determine the next stage of the proceedings.