By Opeyemi Otitoju
An Ondo State Magistrate’s Court has arraigned two suspects, Johnson Dayo and Bimbo Olajide, over alleged land grabbing and fraudulent activities.
Johnson Dayo and Bimbo Olajide were charged with a three-count charge bordering on felony, to wit: obtaining money under false pretence and criminal conversion.
The prosecutor, Mr Nelson Akintimilehin, told the court that the suspects defrauded a couple, Mr and Mrs Kolawole Omojuyigbe, on 22 January 2026 over a plot of land at Eyin-Ala in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, valued at about N3.5 million.
According to the prosecution, the offences contravene Section 516, Section 419 and Section 390(8b) of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Counsel to the defendants, Mr Kole Inakoju, pleaded with the court to grant bail to the first and second defendants on liberal terms. He argued that the second defendant would not jump bail, stating that she had no direct connection with the case and was merely a land agent.
The prosecution opposed the bail application for the first defendant, alleging that she was part of a syndicate of land grabbers in the state and that her release could hinder the investigation and the arrest of other suspects in a related case which is still under investigation.
After considering the arguments from both parties, the Magistrate, Mr Adedapo Sunday (DCR), granted bail to the first defendant with sureties who must possess fixed landed property, while the second defendant was granted bail in the sum of N1.5 million with one surety in like sum.
The case was adjourned until 25 March 2026 for hearing.