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EFCC arraigns three for alleged diversion of N97m cocoa beans

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EFCC arraigns three for alleged diversion of N97m cocoa beans

The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has arraigned the trio of Lateef Jamiu Babatunde, Olanipekun Olawale Joseph and Oyetunde Abioye Ibrahim, before Justice Adebukola Olajide, of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State.
They were arraigned on Tuesday, on three-count charges bordering on conspiracy and  diversion of  33.360 metric tons of cocoa beans worth N97, 578, 000.00 (Ninety-Seven Million, Five Hundred and Seventy-Eight Thousand Naira only)
Count one of the charge read :
 “That you, Lateef Jamiu Babatunde, Oyetunde Abioye Ibrahim, Wahab Yusuf Adisa (at large), Razaq Afeez Babatunde (at large), Ayobami Yusuf Bello (at large), Ibrahim Akin Fatai (at large) and Oladimeji Mutiu Olaitan (at large) on or about the 21st December, 2022 at Ibadan, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired to fraudulently convert 33.360 metric tons of Cocoa Beans valued at N97, 578, 000.00 (Ninety-Seven Million, Five Hundred and Seventy-eight Thousand Naira) belonging to Olam Nigeria Limited, thereby committed an offence of Conspiracy to commit Felony, to wit: Stealing by Conversion contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”
Another Charge read :
“That you, Olanipekun Olawale Joseph on or about the 24th December, 2022 at Ibadan, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, received 33.360 Metric Tons of Stolen Cocoa Beans valued at N97, 578, 000.00 (Ninety-Seven Million, Five Hundred and Seventy-eight Thousand Naira) belonging to Olam Nigeria Limited, thereby committed an offence of Receiving Stolen Property contrary to Section 427 of Criminal Code Law of Oyo State 2000.
The defendants however pleaded not guilty to the charges when read to them.
Following their pleas, the prosecution counsel, Damilare Odemuyiwa, asked the court for a trial date while also praying that the defendants be remanded in the Correctional Centre pending their date of trial.
However, counsel to the defendants, Alabi Ogor, informed the court of his bail application filed before the court.
The presiding judge, Justice Olajide,  granted the defendants bail in the sum ten million naira oeach and  two sureties in like sum.
The sureties must however be gainfully employed and also provide evidence of three years tax payments, including land documents within the jurisdiction of the court.
Others are passport photographs, residential and office addresses which must be provided and verified by the court.
He further ordered that the defendants be remanded in the EFCC custody pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions.
The matter was then adjourned till February 19, 2024, for commencement of trial.
The trio were arrested based on a petition accusing the defendants of  diverting and absconding with 33.360 metric tons of Cocoa beans worth N97, 578, 000.00 (Ninety-Seven Million, Five Hundred and Seventy-Eight Thousand Naira only) belonging to Olam Nigeria Limited.
They were authorized by their employer, Isiaka Saheed, Managing Director of Sidoclear Services Nigeria, to deliver the said goods at Tincan Port Apapa, Lagos State, between December 21 and December 24, 2022.
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