By Ayodele Popoola

A 34-year-old man, Jide Akinsanmi, and his father, Robinson Akinsanmi, were yesterday arraigned before an Akure Chief Magistrate Court, for allegedly defrauding a produce buyer to the tune of N6million.

The duo were alleged of obtaining the sum from one Adebowale Adeghate, under the pretense of supplying him dried cocoa beans.

Jide who is a cocoa farmer was brought before the court on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraud, and obtaining under false pretences, while his father Robinson, 72, appeared on a charge of conspiracy.

Police prosecutor, Nelson Akintimehin, told the court that the defendants committed the offences sometime in October 2021, at Utaja Road, Idanre local government area of Ondo State.

Akintimehin said the defendants conspired to accept the sum of N10millon in advance from the complainant, Adeghate, with a promise to sell dried cocoa beans to him, but they only supplied dried beans valued at N3,055,950, with the balance of N6,144,050.

The prosecutor further alleged that the first defendant, Jide, converted the sum of N6,144,050, belonging to one Adeghate, to his use.

Akintimehin said: “On June 28, 2022, the second defendant , Robinson, encouraged and procured his son, Jide, to facilitate the non supply of the said dried cocoa beans, by using a cocoa plantation at Basoto, Irowa, Idanre local government, located on the left side of one Mr. Thomas’s farmland and downside stream, which he knew does not belong to him.”

He said following the failure of the defendants to give satisfactory reasons to justify their actions, they were brought before the court on the alleged offences.

According to the prosecutor, the offence contravenes Section 516, 42(1) (8), 383 and 7(a)(c) and (d) of the Criminal Code, Law of Ondo State,2006

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Their lawyer,A. Ojopagogo, pleaded with the court to grant his clients bail in the most liberal terms.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr O.O. Oladapo, admitted the first defendant to bail in the sum of N7million with one responsible surety in like sum.

But the father, Robinson, was granted bail in the sum of N5millon with one surety in like sum.

He adjourned the case till May 16 for hearing.