By Oluwadamilola Akinduro

A 25-year-old salesgirl, Igho Ese Gift, has been remanded at the Ondo Correctional Centre, following an Akure Magistrates’ Court hearing on charges of theft and fraud.

Gift, whose residential address was not disclosed, is standing trial over a four-count charge of fraud and theft.

Inspector Jejeniwa, the police prosecutor, told the court that the offences were allegedly committed between March 29, 2023 and October 30, 2024 at Fisaymot Enterprise in Akure.

The charges against Gift include the theft of ₦22,571,424 and the fraudulent use of her UBA ATM card, linked to account number 2115325416, to receive payment for sales and services rendered by Fisaymot Enterprise, totalling ₦15,690,730.63, in contravention of the company’s policy.

In addition, Gift is accused of diverting payments for goods and services rendered on behalf of the supermarket into her personal bank account. It is claimed that she withdrew ₦8,700,430 in various instalments through a point-of-sale terminal and converted the funds for personal use.

The prosecution further alleged that Gift intimidated her employer, Mrs. Bello Florence Wasola, the Chief Executive Officer of the enterprise, by threatening to refund the stolen funds “in her grave.”

The alleged offences contravene Sections 86(1), 383(4), 390, and 419 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37 Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

Gift pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Inspector Jejeniwa informed the court that investigations into the matter were ongoing.

The defence counsel, Adesanmi O.O. did not oppose the prosecution’s request but appealed for bail on lenient terms.

Magistrate Alphonso C.M. granted bail to the defendant in the sum of ₦10,000,000, with two sureties of like amount.

The court stipulated that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, provide an affidavit of means, submit two passport photographs each, own property within the jurisdiction, and provide proof of ownership.

Gift was unable to meet the bail conditions; hence, she was remanded at the Ondo Correctional Centre.

The case has been adjourned till February 24, 2025 for hearing.