The long-running fraud case involving businessman Maurice Aldous Opar has once again stalled after he failed to appear in court on Tuesday, citing a flight delay.
His lawyer told the court that Opar was prepared to attend the proceedings virtually, but the complainant’s advocate objected, insisting that he appear in person.
The complainant argued that Opar was in good health and had no valid reason to avoid physical attendance. The latest absence has reignited frustration among victims, who say the suspect has repeatedly used procedural manoeuvres to slow the case.
A Case Marked by Years of Delays
The matter ,now stretching beyond ten years , has passed through the hands of several magistrates. One retired before delivering a judgment, forcing a new magistrate to take over and restart key portions of the hearing. Opar previously faced convictions for obtaining money by false pretences, though subsequent applications and appeals derailed the pathway to final determination.
Claims of Boastful Confidence
Individuals familiar with the case and several complainants allege that Opar has, over the years, boasted that nothing can happen to him even if he skips court sessions, claiming he has “connections” that protect him from arrest.
These remarks, while not independently verified, have fuelled perceptions among the victims that the drawn-out nature of the case is not accidental but enabled by influence and legal manoeuvring.
Past Warrant and Ongoing Frustration
At one point, a warrant of arrest was issued against Opar for failing to appear in court , a moment complainants hoped would signal stricter enforcement. Instead, they say the case once again slowed, deepening their sense of injustice.
“This matter has taken more than a decade. We want the court to take firm control,” one of the complainant’s advocates said after the latest session.
Systemic Gaps Exposed
Legal analysts note that while delays can stem from administrative and logistical issues, a case dragging for this long , with repeated absences, restarts, and procedural disputes ,highlights deeper weaknesses in how complex economic crimes are handled.
For the complainants, the toll is personal. They say they have spent years in and out of courtrooms with no closure in sight.
Next Hearing
The court is expected to set a new date, with the complainant’s side pushing for mandatory physical appearance to prevent a repeat of past disruptions.