Market leader arraigned for N40m ‘fraud’

By Adebisi Onanuga

Leader of Ikeoluwa Plantain market, near Owode Onirin, Mile 12, Lagos, Adeshina Oyegunle, 62, has been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court sitting in Igbosere for allegedly defrauding traders at the market of the sum of N40,160,000 between 2015 and 2019.

Oyegunle was arraigned on Monday alongside three others, Kalamu Isa Iyanda, 52,  Akeem Oyedeji, 52, and Sunday Oluyemi, 47, before Magistrate Miss M.F.Onamusi on a six-count charge of fraud, stealing and malicious damage of properties.

Police prosecutor, CSP Charles Onwumere told the court the accused persons committed the offence with others still at large between 2015 and 2019 along Ikorodu Road, Lagos.

Read Also: Businessman jailed 10 years for N30m fraud

Onwumere informed the court that the accused used his position as the Baba Oloja, in charge of Ikeoluwa plantain market to defraud the traders in the market of the sum of N40,160,000 and also damage properties valued N30m.

The police also accused the market leader and others of damaging properties valued N30m belonging to one Abidemi Abass Jayeola.

The defendants however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Magistrate, Miss Onamusi granted them bail in the sum of N500,000 each with two sureties each in like sum.

She adjourned the case till  March 6, 2020.