Police Arraign Man Over Alleged Fraud In Ondo

By Niyi Olutunde, Akure

Ondo State Police Command has arraigned a middle aged man, Afeez Smith before an Ondo Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ondo town over alleged obtaining money under false pretense.

The accused person who was arrested by the police was charged with five-count charge of fraud, stealing and unlawful possession of property.

Smith had earlier arrested by the Yaba Divisional Police Station, Ondo for allegedly claiming to be a biological son of former Inspector General of Police and present Chairman, Police Service Commission, Mr. Musiliu Smith.

Accused person was said to have used the name to defraud suspecting members of the public in Ondo town including members of the Nigeria police serving in the community.

He was also accused of obtained the sum of #750,000, from one Fabode Akinsola under the false pretense to supply him one Toyota Corolla car which he failed to supply.

According to the charge sheet levelled against him, Smith was also alleged to have on recently within the magisterial district did steal the cash sums of fifty thousand naira, thirty thousand naira and two hundred and twenty naira properties of Akinlade Ajibola, Komalafe Abiodun and Akinbobola Olukayode respectively.

When the charge sheet was read to him, the accused person pleaded not guilty to all the five-count charges levelled against him.

The Police Prosecutor, Mr. Olagbayi Bernard, told the court that the accused person has committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 430, 390, 419 and 383 of the criminal code, cap 37 volume 1 laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.

He however urged the court to grant him short adjournment to enable him to study the case file and assemble all his witnesses to prosecute the case.

Counsels to the accused person, Mr. O.O Afolayan and Ikuemonisan prayed the court to grant the accused person bail on most liberal term, saying that he would not jump bail if granted.

Delivering her ruling, the Presiding Magistrate B.F Ajibade granted the accused person bail with 1million naira in the like sum with two sureties who must resident within the court jurisdiction.

Magistrate Ajibade also ordered that sureties must swear to an affidavit of means with evidence of tax payment while their identities must be verify by the police.

She subsequently adjourned the case till 4th July, 2018 for hearing.