85-Year Old Akeju Arrested Over N8m Fraud

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

An 85-year old man, Pa Samuel Akeju, has been arrested after he stood as surety for his son, Mr. Kolawole Akeju at the police station over an N8m fraud in Lagos as his son ran away and asked him to replace him in custody.

The incident happened at Isolo Police Division in Okota area of Lagos where the son, Kolawole was arrested and detained.

It was scooped that when the police later arrested the octogenarian and asked him to produce his son, he received the shock of his life. The son said that it was better for his old father to be in prison than for him, Kolawole, who was supposed to take care of his father. He was said to have encouraged his father to remain with the police as he will be sending people to take care of him; that when the police were tired of keeping him, he will be released and Mr. Kolawole did not show up at the police station.

Kolawole was arrested by the police  for his alleged involvement in the fraud to the tune of N8m. He was charged for forgery and stealing and was detained at the police station. He then contacted Pa Samuel Akeju who came to the police station and pleaded that his son be released to him. He promised to produce him whenever the police needed him. He equally promised that he will ensure that the matter was finally settled and entered a bond for his release.

However, after Mr. Kolawole was released, he did not show up again neither did his father resolve the matter as he had promised. The police then contacted Pa Samuel Akeju to produce his son but he was unable to do so until he was traced and arrested.

Pa Samuel was then charged before Ikeja Magistrates court to show cause why he will not forfeit the N8m he entered into bond to produce Kolawole when needed by the police and failed to do so.
When Pa Samuel was arraigned in court, he pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor, Mr Benson Emuerhi did not object his being granted bail.
Thus, the Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O Sule-Amzat granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
However, Pa Samuel was remanded in prison pending when he will perfect his bail condition.
The matter was adjourned till 6 July, 2018.