The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently brought Ajayi Oluwabukola Temitope before the Oyo State High Court, accusing her of defrauding her victims of N58,458,000 through false pretences.
On Wednesday, February 14, 2024, Temitope was arraigned before Justice Kamorudeen Babatunde Olawoyin on four counts of obtaining money by false pretence, a violation of Section 419 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
One of the charges detailed how Temitope allegedly deceived Alhaji Yusuf Nadabo into parting with N23,183,000 under the guise of supplying four trucks of RC Cola, Zero Cola, and Coca-Cola soft drinks. Similarly, another charge outlined how she purportedly obtained N17,375,000 from Altine Musa for the supply of carbonated soft drinks and Coca-Cola products, which she never fulfilled.
Despite the charges levelled against her, Temitope pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution counsel, Sanusi Musa Galandachi, informed the court that Temitope had allegedly swindled multiple victims by promising to supply carbonated soft drinks but failing to deliver. Among her victims were Idris Sheriff, Ifeanyi Mmadubuike, Alhaji Yusuf Nadabo, and Altine Musa, from whom she allegedly obtained sums ranging from N8.5 million to N23.1 million.
Galandachi expressed concerns over Temitope’s potential flight risk, citing her previous breach of administrative bail granted by the EFCC and the influx of new petitions against her.
In response, the defence counsel, S.B. Ajibola, requested bail for Temitope, stressing that a formal application had been submitted to the court.
However, Justice Olawoyin sided with the prosecution, rejecting the bail application due to the perceived flight risk posed by Temitope. Consequently, the court ordered her remand to the EFCC detention facility until the conclusion of the trial.
Furthermore, the court directed an accelerated hearing to allow the prosecution to present its case promptly.
The trial is scheduled to commence on March 14, 15, and 21, 2024, underscoring the court’s commitment to ensuring swift justice in the matter.
Temitope’s case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of fraudulent activities and the vigilance required to combat financial crimes within the society.
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