Lagos Market Leader Arraigned For Allegedly Defrauding Traders N40m

PAUL IYOGHOJIE

Mr. Adeshina Oyegunle, a 62-year old Market Leader (Baba Oloja), in charge of Ikeoluwa Plantain Market, near Owode Onirin, Mile 12, Lagos, has been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court, alongside three others
for allegedly conniving to defraud the traders at the market of the sum of N40,160,000 between 2015 and 2019.
The Police also accused the market leader and others of damaging properties valued at N30 million belonging to one Abidemi Abass Jayeola and also failing to account for the proceeds from the use of a commercial Truck with number plate AGL 65/XR belonging to same Jayeola.
Police identified other accused persons as Kalamu Isa Iyanda, 52; Akeem Oyedeji, 52, and Sunday Oluyemi, 47.
The accused persons were ordered arrested by the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Special Anti-robbery Squad, FSARS
on Adeniji Adele Road, Lagos Island, Lagos, CP Fimihon Adeoye, following a petition by the counsel to the traders, Barrister Ibukunoluwa Olu-Jacobs.
They were charged before the Igbosere Chief Magistrate’s Court, Lagos on a Six-count charge bothering on fraud, stealing and malicious
damage of properties.
Police Counsel, CSP Charles Onwumere told the court in charge No Q/5/2020 that the accused persons committed the offense with others
still at large between 2015 and 2019 along Ikorodu Road, Lagos.
Onwumere informed the court that the accused used his position as the Baba Oloja to defraud the traders in the market of the sum of N40,160,000 and also damage properties valued N30 million.
He said the offences were punishable under
Sections 411, 287, 301, 339 and 337 of the criminal law of Lagos State, 2015.
The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the alleged offense in the open court and Magistrate, Miss Onanusi granted them
N500,000 bail each with two surties each in like sum.
Onanusi adjourned the case till 6 March, 2020 for mention.