An artisan, Bukola Bolaji, was on Friday arraigned before an Akure Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State for allegedly converting N300,000, belonging to the Commissioner, Ondo State Police Command, Abiodun Asabi, to his personal use.
Police Prosecutor, Simon Wada, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on December 15, 2023.
Wada, an Inspector of Police, said the 38-year-old defendant collected the money under the pretence of constructing 12 casement aluminium windows for the complainant, which he did not do.
He said that the offence was contrary to Section 418 and punishable under Section 419 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
The prosecutor asked the court to use its discretion in remanding the defendant in a correctional centre for the prosecution to bring its witnesses against him.
Bolaji, however, pleaded not guilty to the offence.
Responding, Counsel to the defendant, R.O. Omosile, asked the court to grant the defendant bail in liberal terms, arguing that her client, under the law, was presumed innocent until otherwise proven.
Omosile promised that if the bail was granted, the defendant would always present himself in court for hearing.
The Magistrate, Damilola Sekoni, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000, with two reliable sureties in like sum.
Sekoni, thereafter, adjourned the case till March 15 for hearing.
