The prosecution has urged the court to deny Alphonce Collins Odoyo Osewe bond, arguing that he is likely to abscond if released.
Lawyer faces fraud and money laundering charges
Prosecutors charged Osewe with obtaining money by false pretences and several offences under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act (POCAMLA).
According to the charge sheet, Osewe allegedly obtained KSh26.1 million from Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi between May 4 and May 5, 2023.
The prosecution claims he falsely promised to facilitate the sale of 400 kilograms of gold bars.
Investigators also accuse him of acquiring and handling the money despite allegedly knowing it was the proceeds of crime.
Prosecution links co-accused to KSh35.7 million transactions
The prosecution further alleges that Osewe and his co-accused, Patroba Odhiambo Tobias alias “Ishmael,” conducted transactions worth KSh35.7 million.
Investigators say the transactions took place between May 1 and May 9, 2023.
They claim the money was intended to finance the alleged gold deal.
State opposes release on bond
The prosecution asked the court to keep Osewe in custody throughout the case.
According to investigators, his previous conduct shows that he may fail to attend future court sessions.
DCI officer Corporal Dennis Mugambi told the court that police released Osewe on cash bail on August 14, 2025, pending legal advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
However, the officer said Osewe later failed to attend court for plea taking.
DCI outlines failed attempts to secure attendance
In his affidavit, Mugambi stated that he repeatedly contacted and summoned Osewe to appear in court.
Nevertheless, the advocate allegedly ignored every summons without providing a lawful explanation.
The court later issued warrants of arrest after his continued absence.
Detectives from the DCI Nairobi Regional Investigations Unit eventually arrested him on August 4, 2026.
Investigators question advocate’s whereabouts
The prosecution also told the court that detectives visited Osewe’s last known residence.
However, they found that he had already moved from the address.
As a result, investigators could not establish his current place of residence.
They argued that his unknown whereabouts increase the risk of him absconding if granted bond.
Immigration records sought
Additionally, the prosecution has requested Osewe’s travel records from the Directorate of Immigration Services.
Investigators want to establish whether he travelled outside Kenya during the period when he was expected to appear in court.
The court will now determine whether Osewe should remain in custody or receive bond as the criminal case proceeds.
