By Oluwadamilola Akinduro
An Akure Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand of a 52-year old man, Adelegan Oke John, at the Olokuta Correctional Centre for allegedly defrauding another of ₦6 million.
Adelegan, whose address was not disclosed, was arraigned by the Ondo State Police Command on a one-count charge of fraud.
The Police Prosecutor, Adebayo Sulaiman, told the court that the offence was committed on June 5, 2025.
According to him, the defendant falsely deposed to an affidavit claiming ownership of a Mercedes Benz 814 pickup truck with registration number Bauchi ALK 298 XA and chassis number 6740131581002016400, belonging to one Ogunduyilemi Adeleke Olawole.
Sulaiman further alleged that Adelegan fraudulently converted the sum of ₦6,000,000, being the proceeds from the sale of the truck, to his personal use.
He added that the defendant, with intent to defraud, caused a purchase receipt for the Mercedes Benz truck to be issued in his name and signed without proper authorisation.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 117, 118, 383, and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 37 Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
Adelegan, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Sulaiman informed the court that two witnesses were already in court and that he intended to call one more.
He requested an adjournment to enable him review the case file and prepare for trial.
Defence counsel, Adelanke Akinrata, did not oppose the request but urged the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms, assuring that the defendant would not jump bail and would present reliable sureties.
In his ruling, Magistrate Damilola Sekoni granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦2,000,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The magistrate ordered that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, provide an affidavit of means, and submit two passport photographs.
However, the defendant failed to meet the bail conditions and was consequently remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre.
The case was adjourned until November 12, 2025, for further hearing.