By Oluwadamilola Akinduro
A 33-year old marketer, Sebiotimo Abidemi Adebayo, has been remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre by an Akure Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding a Point of Sale (POS) operator of ₦80,000.
Adebayo was dragged before the court by the Ondo State Police Command on a two-count charge of obtaining money under false pretence and fraudulent conversion.
According to the police prosecutor, Adebayo Sulaiman, the incident occurred on May 20, 2025, around 1:00 p.m. at Cashhold, Oja-Obaile Market in Akure.
He told the court that the defendant collected ₦80,000 from a POS operator, Funmilayo Ayodeji Mosunmola, on the guise of transferring ₦81,800 to her account but failed to do so.
Sulaiman said the defendant instead converted the money to his personal use, an offence contrary to and punishable under Sections 383 and 419 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
While seeking an adjournment, the prosecutor said witnesses were ready to testify, adding that the case file would be properly reviewed before trial.
Defence counsel, Kehinde Osadugba, urged the court to grant the defendant bail on liberal terms, assuring that he would not jump bail and would provide reliable sureties.
In his ruling, Magistrate Damilola Sekoni granted Adebayo bail in the sum of ₦100,000, with two sureties in like sum.
He ordered each surety to deposit ₦50,000 as bond into the High Court Registry for the complainant’s benefit and directed that their addresses be verified.
The magistrate further ruled that the defendant should be remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre until he meets his bail conditions.
The case was adjourned till November 19, 2025, for hearing.