Ilorin, Oct. 9, 2024 (TheGavel)– Mohammed Abubakar, a 40-year-old resident of Bani village, was brought before an Area Court at Centre-Igboro in Ilorin on October 9, 2024, facing charges of criminal breach of trust and cheating. Abubakar pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
The Prosecutor, ASP Samuel Mayowa, outlined the charges, stating that Abubakar had posed as a businessman in May and deceitfully obtained 1.2 kilograms of quartzite valued at N780,000. In addition to the goods, the defendant reportedly collected N128,000 in cash, promising to return both the goods and the cash within one week. However, according to Mayowa, Abubakar failed to return either the quartzite or the cash, resulting in a total loss of N908,000 for the complainant.
Opposing bail for the defendant, Mayowa argued that the charges involved an offence punishable by more than three years in prison, which, under the law, typically precludes bail. “If the defendant is granted bail, it will affect our investigation in the case,” he stated.
Despite the prosecutor’s opposition, the presiding Judge, Mr. Toyin Aluko, denied the application against bail. Aluko acknowledged that, although one of the charges was criminal in nature, it was still bailable under the law. He subsequently granted Abubakar bail set at N200,000, requiring one surety in a similar amount. The judge stipulated that the surety must be a blood relative of the defendant and provide evidence of their relationship, as well as reside within the court’s jurisdiction. Additionally, the surety was ordered not to leave the state until the case is resolved.
The court has adjourned the case until November 5 for further mention. (NAN)
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