SEAP staff docked over alleged N4m theft

By Sade Adewale
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A 38-years -old self reliance economic advancement programme (SEAP) employee, Saheed Adebayo has been dragged before the Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ondo town, for stealing N3,905,400.00.

The police brought the defendant before the court on Wednesday for not remit to the account of the SEAP organisation,  but converted the money being contributions made by thirty four members of the association to his own use, however pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him.

The defendant was said to have committed the offence between the month of April 2013 and June 2016 at odotu area office Ondo, contrary to section 383(1)(2)(a)(b) and punishable under section 390(8)(b)(9) of the Criminal code cap 37 volume 1 laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.

The charge sheet read in part,”That you, Saheed Adebayo between the month of April 2013 and June 2016 being an employee of Self Reliance Economic Advancement Programme (SEAP) at Odotu area office of the above named organisation Ondo in the Ondo magisterial district did steal the sum of N3,905,400.00 being contributions made by thirty four members of the said association which you fail to remit to the account of the said SEAP Organisation but converted same to your own use and thereby committed an offence contrary to section (1)(2)(a)(b) and punishable under section 390 (8)(b) (9) of the Criminal code cap 37 volume 1 laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.

The police prosecutor, inspt Benard Olagbayi told the court that he would be calling six witnesses to testify in the case, applied for a date to enable him study the case file and assemble his witnesses.

Lawyer for the defendant, O.O Onipe applied for the bail of the defendant in most liberal terms.

The presiding Magistrate, Mrs Bolatito Ajibade granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000.00 each with one surety in like sum.

She said the sureties must be residents within the jurisdiction, while they must  attached affidavit of means, passport of the defendant and sureties must be attached also.

She said the court orderly should verify the residence and report back to court.

She adjourned the case till September 23, 2019 for further hearing.