Artisan arraigned for allegedly defrauding Ondo Police Commissioner of N300,000

An artisan, Bukola Bolaji, on Friday appeared before an Akure Magistrates’ Court for allegedly converting N300,000, belonging to the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Mr Abiodun Asabi, to his personal use.

The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Simon Wada, had earlier informed the court that the 38-year-old defendant committed the offence on Dec. 15, 2023.

Wada said that the defendant collected the money under the pretence of constructing 12 casement aluminum windows for the complainant, which he did not do.

He said that the offence was contrary to Section 418 and punishable under Section 419 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

The prosecutor asked the court to use its discretion in remanding the defendant in a correctional centre for the prosecution to bring its witnesses against him.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the offence.

Responding, Counsel to the defendant, Mrs R.O. Omosile, asked the court to grant the defendant bail in liberal terms, arguing that her client, under the law, was presumed innocent until otherwise proven.

Omosile promised that if the bail was granted, the defendant would always present himself in court for hearing.

The Magistrate, Mr Damilola Sekoni, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000, with two reliable sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case till March 15 for hearing.