Banker remanded in prison over N81.7m theft

A banker, Oladimeji Balogun, was on Monday arraigned before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Special Offences Court, sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on a four-count charge bordering on theft of the sum of N81.72 million. Balogun was alleged to have, sometime between May 30 and June 2018 in Lagos, dishonestly converted to the use of one […]

A banker, Oladimeji Balogun, was on Monday arraigned before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Special Offences Court, sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on a four-count charge bordering on theft of the sum of N81.72 million.

Balogun was alleged to have, sometime between May 30 and June 2018 in Lagos, dishonestly converted to the use of one Zainab Omohomo Balogun the sum of N35m, property of Finni Oluwakemi, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Sections 278 and 285 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State No. 11, 2015.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, A. Muhammed, asked the court for a trial date and also prayed that the defendant be remanded in prison custody.

The defence counsel, Adekunle Oyesanya, however, informed the court of a pending bail application on behalf of his client, and prayed the court to grant Balogun bail.

Justice Taiwo then granted the defendant bail in the sum of N10 million, with two sureties in like sum.

The judge said one of the sureties must own a landed property in Lagos, while the other must be a close relation of the defendant, be gainfully employed and should produce a tax clearance certificate covering three years.

Balogun was remanded in prison custody pending the fulfilment of his bail terms.

The matter was adjourned till April 9, 2019 for commencement of trial.