Market leader arraigned for allegedly defrauding traders N40m

Suspect

The suspect

The suspect

By Paul Iyoghojie

The Market leader, in charge of Ikeoluwa Plantain Market, near Owode Onirin, Mile 12, Lagos, Adeshina Oyegunle, 62, has been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court, alongside three others for allegedly conniving to defraud traders at the market of N40,160,000 between 2015 and 2019.

The Police also accused the market leader and others of damaging properties valued N30 million belonging to one Abidemi Abass Jayeola and also failing to account for the proceeds from the use of a commercial Truck with number plate AGL 65/XR belonging to Jayeola.

The police identified other accused persons as Kalamu Isa Iyanda, 52; Akeem Oyedeji, 52, and Sunday Oluyemi, 47.

The accused persons were ordered arrested by the Commissioner of Police, CP in charge of the Federal Special Anti-robbery Squad, FSARS on Adeniji Adele Road, Lagos island, Lagos, CP Fimihon Adeoye, following a petition by the counsel to the traders, Ibukunoluwa Olu-jacobs.

They were charged before the Igbosere Chief Magistrate’s Court, Lagos on a six-count charge bothering on fraud, stealing and malicious damage of properties.

Police Counsel, CSP Charles Onwumere told the court in charge No. Q/5/2020 that the accused persons committed the offense with others still at large between 2015 and 2019 along Ikorodu Road, Lagos.

Onwumere informed the court that the accused used his position as the Baba Oloja, leader in charge of Ikeoluwa Plantain Market to fraudulently defraud the traders of the sum of N40,160,000 and also damage properties valued N30 million.

He said the offences, the accused committed were punishable under sections 411, 287, 301, 339 and 337 of the criminal law of Lagos State, 2015.

The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the alleged offence in the court and Magistrate Onanusi granted them N500,000 bail each with two sureties each in like sum.

Onanusi adjourned the case till 6 march, 2020 for mention

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