Two men, Adebiyi Temitope (40) and Bamisaye Bankole (47), were on Friday brought before a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, for allegedly defrauding a woman of ₦2.5 million and unlawfully converting the funds for personal use.
The defendants, whose residential addresses were not disclosed, are facing a two-count charge bordering on fraud and unlawful conversion of funds.
Police prosecutor, Inspector Akinwale Oriyomi, informed the court that the alleged offence took place on April 2 in Ado-Ekiti. He stated that the defendants collected ₦2.5 million from the complainant, Iyanu Oluwande, under the false pretense of selling her two plots of land.
However, the prosecution alleged that the land was never provided and that the defendants diverted the funds for their own benefit.
According to Oriyomi, the actions of the accused contravene Sections 329(3) and 302(1) of the Ekiti State Criminal Law, 2021.
He requested an adjournment to review the case file and prepare his witnesses.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Their legal counsel, Mr. J.J. Tijani, appealed to the court to grant them bail, assuring that they would not abscond.
Presiding Chief Magistrate, Mr. Abayomi Adeosun, granted bail in the sum of ₦250,000 each, with one surety apiece in like sum. He directed that the sureties must meet the court’s conditions.
The matter was adjourned until September 30 for hearing.