By Oluwadamilola Akinduro

Men of the Ondo State Police Command have arraigned a 27-year-old sales boy, Olabanji Oluyemi, before an Akure Magistrates’ Court on charges of theft and fraud.

Oluyemi, whose address was not disclosed, is facing a one-count charge of theft.

According to the police prosecutor, Taiwo Oniyere, the defendant allegedly committed the offences on September 20, 2024, at a hotel opposite St. Anthony Primary School, Araromi, in Akure.

The charges state that Oluyemi stole various items, including five plastic bottles of Fireless energy drink valued at ₦3,500, seven bottles of Climax valued at ₦25,600, eighteen bottles of Goldberg beer valued at ₦16,200, and eighteen bottles of Trophy beer also valued at ₦16,200. Additionally, he allegedly stole ₦48,000 in cash, all belonging to his employer, Bola Husseini.

The defendant was further accused of refilling the empty bottles with water and reselling them as original drinks.

The alleged offences contravene Sections 383 and 390(6) of the Criminal Code, Cap 37 Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

Oluyemi pleaded not guilty to the charges. Prosecutor Oniyere informed the court of plans to call three witnesses and requested time to review the case file.

The defence counsel, Kehinde Osadugba, did not oppose the prosecutor’s request but appealed for bail on lenient terms.

Magistrate Olusola Olujobi granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with two sureties in like amount. The court stipulated that the sureties must reside within its jurisdiction, provide an affidavit of means, and submit two passport photographs each.

However, Oluyemi was unable to meet the bail conditions and was subsequently remanded in police custody.

The case was adjourned to December 18, 2024, for further hearing.