BY TIMOTHY AGBOR, OSOGBO
An Ile-Ife Magistrate’s Court in Osun State on Monday ordered the remand of a female thrift collector, Tejumade Makinde, for allegedly fleecing customers of the total sum of N1,913,900.
Police prosecutor, Inspector Elijah Adesina informed the court that the 37-year-old defendant committed the offence at different times and locations between January, 2020 and March, 2022 in Ile-Ife.
Adesina said that the defendant fraudulently collected the sum of N956,950.00 from different customers on behalf of ‘Eri Plan ni Koko Daily Contribution Enterprises, Ile-Ife,’ but failed to remit to the account of the company.
He added that Makinde fraudulently converted the cash sum of N956,950.00 to her own use, which is the property of the thrift collection firm owned by one Olusola Lawrence.
According to him, the defendant, in October, 2020, fraudulently converted a cash sum of N50,000 to her own use, property of Lawrence.
He explained further that the defendant, from January to December, 2020, fraudulently converted a cash sum of N31,250 to her own use, belonging to Lawrence’s company.
The Prosecutor stated that the thrift collector also, from January to December, 2021 at Eri Okan ni Koko Daily Contributory Enterprises office, Road 7, Ile-Ife, converted a cash sum of N131,500 that belong to Lawrence to her own benefit.
Also, on December 6, 2021 at the same office, the defendant fraudulently converted a cash sum of N150,000 to her own use adding that Makinde committed similar offence between January and March, 2022, at the firm, when she fraudulently converted a cash sum of N594, 200 to her own use.
However, the prosecutor stated that the offences contravened sections 383, 390(9) and 419 of the Criminal Code, pppCap 34, Vol II, Laws of Osun, 2002.
Makinde, who was not legally represented, however, pleaded not guilty to seven-count charge of fraud leveled against her by the police.
Magistrate Olusola Aluko ordered for her remand in Ilesa Nigeria Correctional facility, pending the consideration for her bail. Aluko adjourned the matter till March 29, for hearing.
