Traditional ruler charged with alleged ₦75m fraud, assault on police officer
The Olu of Obafe in the Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Taofeek Owolabi Olukayode, has been arraigned in the Magistrates’ Court in Owode-Egba on charges of fraud, conspiracy, and assault on a law enforcement officer.
The embattled monarch, along with accomplices who are still at large, is accused of involvement in a fraudulent land deal valued at ₦75 million.
During the proceedings before Senior Magistrate M.O. Somefun, the monarch was charged with deceitfully obtaining this substantial sum from Dr. Michael Adeyemi under the guise of selling 500 acres of land in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area.
Court documents reveal that the alleged fraudulent activities occurred between September 18, 2023, and August 20, 2024.
Prosecuting the case, Senior State Counsel Timilehin Oredein stated that the ₦75 million was allegedly paid for land that the monarch knew was part of a fraudulent scheme. He noted that this charge violates Section 419 of the Ogun State Criminal Code Law of 2006, which penalizes obtaining money through false pretenses.
The monarch is also accused of converting the entire sum for personal use, an offense punishable under Sections 383 and 390 of the same law.
The case has attracted significant attention not only due to the financial fraud involved but also because of an associated charge of assault. The monarch allegedly resisted arrest and assaulted ASP Oriade David, a law enforcement officer, during his apprehension on October 21, 2024. The altercation reportedly resulted in the destruction of the officer’s eyeglasses, valued at ₦8,500, in violation of Section 356 of the Criminal Code Law.
The prosecution, led by Oredein on behalf of the Attorney General, urged the court to consider the seriousness of the offenses. Despite the gravity of the charges, the court granted Oba Olukayode bail in the amount of ₦10 million, with two sureties of equal value.
The case has been adjourned to November 25, 2024, as the court prepares for what many anticipate will be a high-profile trial.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at Neptune Prime.
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