Court Issues Bench Warrant Against Ibadan Businessman Over ₦3.6m Fraud Allegations

A Magistrate Court sitting in Ibadan North East has issued a fresh bench warrant against an Ibadan-based businessman, Samson Adeola, over alleged fraud and stealing amounting to ₦3.6 million.

The presiding magistrate, T.B. Oyekanmi, ordered the arrest of the 47-year-old defendant on Wednesday following his failure to appear in court to answer to charges filed against him by the police.

Adeola is standing trial in a case numbed MNE/143/2024 at a magistrate court located at Ibadan North East Local Government Secretariat, Iwọ Road, Ibadan.

According to the charge sheet, the defendant allegedly fraudulently obtained the sum of ₦2.7 million from one Abiola Ibrahim, ₦750,000 from Ige Jelilat, and ₦150,000 from Clement Olasubomi under the pretext of selling cartons of white lace materials.

The offences were said to have been committed on January 1, 2024; March 12 and 13, 2024; and April 12, 2023, at about 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. at Gbagi Market area, Ibadan, within the magisterial district.

Police alleged that the defendant converted the total sum of ₦3.6 million to his personal use without the consent of the owners.

The offences are said to be contrary to Sections 418 and 389, and punishable under Sections 419 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000.

Count II of the charge specifically accused Adeola of stealing the aforementioned sums belonging to the three complainants.

This is the second time the court would be issuing a bench warrant against the defendant.

He had earlier been arrested on the strength of a previous court order after failing to attend proceedings.

Following his arrest, he was remanded at Agodi Correctional Facility for several months before perfecting his bail.

However, despite regaining his freedom, Adeola allegedly resumed his absence from court during subsequent hearings.

At the resumed sitting on Wednesday, the police prosecutor, Mr. Oriola James, described the defendant as someone who “lacks respect for the court,” citing his repeated failure to appear or secure legal representation.

In his ruling, Magistrate Oyekanmi expressed dissatisfaction over the defendant’s continued absenteeism and consequently issued another bench warrant for his arrest to compel his appearance and continuation of trial.

The case was adjourned pending the defendant’s arrest and arraignment before the court.