EFCC Arraigns Three Suspects over Diversion of Cocoa
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 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)
The defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when read to them.
Prosecuting Counsel, Damilare Odemuyiwa asked the court for a trial date and prayed the court to remand the defendants 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.
In his filling, Justice Olajide granted the defendants bail in the sum of N10,000,000( Ten Million Naira only) each and two sureties in like sum each. Saying The sureties must be gainfully employed, provide evidence of three years tax payments, including land documents within the jurisdiction of the court. Other bail conditions include, 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 adjourned the case 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.
