Ondo court arraigns supplier over alleged fund diversion

By Boye Oyeyemi

A 40-year-old man, Fapohunda Tope, was on Monday arraigned before an Akure Chief Magistrate’s Court over the alleged diversion of N1.255 million paid for the supply of building materials.

The defendant appeared before Chief Magistrate O.T. Lebi on a one-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretences, to which he pleaded “not guilty.”

During court proceedings, police prosecutor, Inspector Augustine Omhenimhen, disclosed that the alleged offence was committed on April 2, 2026, at Araromi Street, Akure.

According to the prosecution, Tope received N1.255 million from Mrs. Adenike Omojola to supply building materials but allegedly converted the money to his personal use instead.

Omhenimhen said the materials included planks of different sizes and 10 tonnes of one-inch granite stones, adding that the alleged offence contravened Section 419 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

In his response, the defendant, however, denied the allegation, insisting that he had supplied part of the materials and that only a balance remained outstanding. The complainant disputed the claim, maintaining that none of the agreed materials was delivered.

Defence counsel, O.S. Akinbisola, therefore urged the court to grant her client bail, arguing that he was a responsible citizen who would not jump bail and requested time to clarify the disagreement over the alleged delivery.

In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Lebi admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until August 28, 2026, for hearing.