Bamidele Kolawole

A fake contractor, Folorunsho Ayilaran, has been sentenced  to three years imprisonment by an Akure Magistrates’ Court for obtaining money under false pretense.

The trial Magistrate, Tope Aladejana, in his judgement, convicted Ayilaran based on circumstantial evidence proved by the prosecution.

Ayilaran was charged on six counts of fraudulent conversion of the sum of one million, four hundred and fifty thousand naira, belonging to one Celestne Okafor, to his own use.

The prosecution said he obtained the sum under the pretence of awarding three contracts of Ondo State Government, Intergovernmental Affars & Multilateral Relations office to the complainant, Okafor.

Also, the convict was alleged to have promised the complainant that he would supply fifty-four (54) unit desks and benches for pupils in ifedore Local Government Area.

In addition, he was said to have promised Okafor awarding one contract of Ondo State of Nigeria Munstry of Local Government, and Cheiftancy Affairs for the constructon of six block classrooms at St. Paul Primary School, Ipole – Owo Local Government, whch he did not award.

The prosecution had in December 2014 dragged the convict to court over the fraudulently act.

According to the police prosecutor, Olakunle Ajayi, the convict falsely presented himself as  Ondo State Government personnel contractor before Celestine Okafor.

The offence committed was contrary and punishable under sections

484, 516, 419, 418 and 465 and 467of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol.1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.

The convict was said to have committed the offence on March 4, 2014 and October 20, 2014, at various times in Akure, in the Akure Magisterial District.

The convict’s lawyer, B.D Asani urged the court to temper justice with mercy.

The Court found the convict guilty as charged, on count three and sentenced him to three years imprisonment with an option of N1.450 million fine.