By Hassanat Adebowale

Mercy Olokunboro, a 45-year-old staff member of Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, appeared in court on Wednesday over allegations of fraud involving N722,000. She faced a six-count charge, including conspiracy, fraud, forgery, and theft, brought before an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court.

The defendant, who served as the secretary to the university’s registrar, pleaded not guilty to the charges. According to the prosecution, led by DSP Joseph Adebayo, the alleged offenses took place between May 22 and October 2024 at the university in Ipetumodu.

The prosecution stated that Olokunboro fraudulently collected N722,000 from students under the pretext of depositing the money into the university’s account but failed to do so. Adebayo also accused her of conspiring with unidentified individuals to commit theft, forgery, and document tampering.

Further allegations claimed that the defendant forged the university registrar’s official letterhead, the school’s stamp, receipts, and statements of results, presenting these documents as genuine. Additionally, the prosecution charged her with falsifying the university’s financial statements to appear legitimate.

Adebayo argued that Olokunboro’s actions contravened Sections 390 (9), 419, 422, 467, 468, and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun State, 2002.

The defense counsel, Wole Omotosho, pleaded for bail on behalf of his client, assuring the court of her reliability and the readiness of credible sureties. Magistrate Abosede Sarumi granted bail to Olokunboro in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like amount.

Sarumi stipulated conditions for bail, requiring the sureties to provide evidence of three years of tax payments to the state government, swear an affidavit of means, and reside within the court’s jurisdiction. One of the sureties must also own landed property. Additionally, each surety must submit three recent passport photographs.

The case has been adjourned until April 3 for further mention.

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