One Benson Tunde has been arraigned before an Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Oke-Eda over an alleged N7.5million fraud.
The 36-year-old Tunde is facing charges bordering on fraud and obtaining the amount under false pretence.
The state Prosecutor, Samuel Ogala, told the court that the defendant committed the offences between October 25, 2021 and June 27, 2022 at Oke – Aro, in Akure Magisterial District.
Ogala informed the court that the defendant unlawfully coverted the sum N7.5 million to his own use, property of one Dr. Fabinu Taofeek, by using same money to purchase one unregistered Toyota Camry and one unregistered Toyota Avalon.
The charge sheet read in part: “That you, “Benson Tunde ‘m’ on October, 25, 2021 between the hours of 06:00am and 06:00pm at Oke – Aro, Akure within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court did fraudulently obtain N7,520,000, only from Dr. Fabinu Taofeek under the pretense of supplying him one Lorry “Tipper” from Germany, a misrepresentation which you know to be false and thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 419.
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According to the prosecution, the offences contravene Sections 419 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Ogala, therefore, urged the court to adjourn the case to enable him assemble the prosecution witnesses in court.
The defence counsel, Ola Adedire prayed the court to admit her client to bail in most liberal terms, assuring that the defendant would not jump bail, also promising that he would provide credible and reliable surety.
Magistrate F.A Aduroja granted the defendant bail in the sum of N2.5million with two sureties in like sum, while he held that the sureties must submit copies of their National Identification Numbers and must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
Aduroja adjourned the matter till September 14, 2022, for definite hearing.
