By Muhammad Mamman
A 36-year-old man, Ismail Kehinde, has been granted ₦1 million bail by the Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, as he faces trial for allegedly defrauding a trader of ₦3.78 million in a failed beans supply deal.
Kehinde, whose residential address was not disclosed in court, is facing two counts of fraud and stealing.
According to the prosecuting officer, Corporal Oluwaseun Johnson, the alleged fraud took place between May and June in the Saki area of Oyo State. Johnson told the court that Kehinde obtained ₦3,778,000 from a complainant, Olalekan Opeyemi, under the pretense of supplying a large quantity of beans — a supply that never materialized.
“The defendant knowingly made a false claim and diverted the money for personal use,” Johnson said.
The charges, according to the prosecution, contravene Section 383 and are punishable under Sections 390 (9) and 419 of the Oyo State Criminal Code Law, 2000.
Kehinde pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Presiding Magistrate M. Mudashiru granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦1 million, with two sureties in like amount. The court specified that one surety must reside within its jurisdiction and provide a valid three-year tax clearance. The other must be a blood relative of the defendant.
The case has been adjourned for further hearing.
