Court orders arrest of Ondo ex-deputy governor over alleged fraud

An Akure Magistrate Court has issued a bench warrant for former Ondo State deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi.

The warrant was issued in response to allegations of stealing leveled against the immediate past deputy governor of the state.

He was accused of obtaining a brand new Toyota Camry valued at N5.4 million through false pretenses and engaging in theft back in May 2018.

The Commissioner of Police had submitted an application for a bench warrant to ensure Ajayi’s appearance before the court to answer the allegations.

Following the application, the court ordered that Ajayi be produced in court or provide a statement on November 24.

Meanwhile, two former aides of Agboola Ajayi, namely Ogunmusi Samuel and Akintoye Olatunji, have already been arraigned before the court in relation to the car allegedly taken from one Segun Adetuwo, popularly known as Showboy.

In his statement, Samuel claimed that the former deputy governor instructed him to accompany Olatunji to collect the car from Adetuwo.

He said he collected a black-colored Toyota Camry XLE from Adetuwo but left without making any payment for the vehicle.

The court was informed by the prosecutor, Emmanuel Tanimowo, that Ajayi had failed to respond to the invitation to present his side of the incident.

Barrister Omolegbon Odunsola, the counsel to Akintoye, stated that he had been actively attempting to contact Agboola and Adetuwo in order to explore the possibility of settling the matter outside of court.

On his part, Alex Olademehin, representing Adetuwo, stated that Agboola insisted he should either provide a written statement to the police or appear in person before the court.

Presiding Magistrate, Taiwo Lebi, issued an order that Ajayi or his statement be brought to court on the next adjournment date.

Further hearing was adjourned until November 24, 2023.