By Damilola Akinmolayan

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A 29-year-old cocoa merchant, Hambali Sidi , as been arraigned before an Akure Magistrates’ Court over alleged N1.5m cocoa fraud.

The defendant who committed the offence in August, 2022 around 4:30pm in lsikan market, Akure, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge leveled against him.

According to the police prosecutor, Adeoye Adesegun, said the defendant fraudulently collected N1,520,000 with false pretence to supply Mohammed Saliu 1000 pieces of cocoa sack bags.

The prosecutor further told the court that while the defendant failed to supply the complainant the cocoa bags, he unlawfully converted the money for his own use.

The offence committed is contrary to and punishable under Sections 419, 390(9) of the Criminal Code Cap, 37. Volume 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

Counsel to the defendant, O. Familusi objected the application for the adjournment made by the prosecutor.

He prayed the court to grant his client bail on a liberal terms.

In his ruling, Magistrate Mayomi Olanipekun granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case till December 22, 2022 for hearing.

In a case of theft in the same court, one Olamide Oluwadamilare, who allegedly burgled and stole household items valued N1.3m was arraigned.

The defendant allegedly committed the offence on July 7, 2022 around 2:30am at Fadeyi street, Oshinle quarters in Akure.

The prosecutor, Adeoye Adesegun told the court that the defendant entered the house of Akinsola Akinola, and stole one Lotto Terminal loaded with 200,000 ticket valued N920,000 and one Infinix Note 8 handset valued at N65,000.

The prosecutor stated that the defendant also stole one POP 2 techno valued N65,000, one itel handset valued N6,000 and cash sum of N38,000, total valued N1,354,000.

Olamide pleaded not guilty to the offences which contravene  Section 516, 412, and 390(9) of the Criminal Code Cap, 37. Volume 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

Counsel to the defendant, O. I Tiwo prayed the court to grant his client bail on a liberal term, noting that a realiable surety will be provided.

In his ruling, Magistrate Mayomi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.

The case was adjourned till January 19, 2023 for hearing.