EFCC docks Oyo Permanent Secretary for alleged N4.4m scam

The Ibadan zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a Permanent Secretary in the Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture, Alhaji Rasaq Kolawole, in court for allegedly defrauding Ibikunle Alonge of the sum of N4.4 million. Kolawole was arraigned yesterday before Justice Aderonke Aderemi of the Oyo State High Court on […]

The Ibadan zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a Permanent Secretary in the Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture, Alhaji Rasaq Kolawole, in court for allegedly defrauding Ibikunle Alonge of the sum of N4.4 million.

Kolawole was arraigned yesterday before Justice Aderonke Aderemi of the Oyo State High Court on a count charge of obtaining money under false pretence.

A statement signed by the EFCC Head, Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said Alonge had written a petition to the EFCC, in which he accused the top public servant of fraudulently collecting the money from him as part payment for a piece of land situated at the Alabata Olosoko area of Moniya, Ibadan.

Alonge further alleged that it was after he had paid Kolawole the money on or about October 2, 2018 that he got to know the land actually belonged to one Mrs. Ali (now deceased).

The amount, allegedly paid to the Permanent Secretary through Pastor Adeyemi Fabayo, was said to be part payment of the total cost price of 11 and a half plots of land situated at Alabata Olokoso.

All efforts to retrieve his money from the defendant, Alonge added, were unsuccessful.

Kolawole pleaded not-guilty to the charge.

In view of his plea, the prosecuting counsel, Dr Ben Ubi, prayed the court for a date for the commencement of trial.

Justice Aderemi admitted the defendant to bail on self-recognition and adjourned the matter till June 24 and 25, 2020 for trial.