Trader arraigned in Ondo court over alleged N3.1m misappropriation

By Boye Oyeyemi

A trader, Sunday Mariam, was on Thursday arraigned before an Oke-Eda Magistrate’s Court in Akure, Ondo State, over allegations of unlawful conversion of N3.1 million.

The defendant was docked on a two-count charge bordering on misappropriation of funds and conduct likely to disturb public peace.

Prosecuting counsel, Nelson Akintimehin, told the court that the alleged offence occurred in 2024 on Adegbola Street in Akure.

According to the prosecution, Mariam allegedly diverted N3.1 million belonging to Hassan Ebun Similoluwa for personal use.

She was also accused of directing offensive and abusive remarks at the complainant during the dispute.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read before the court.

Her defence counsel, A.Y. Aliyu, supported by Henry Orisameyiti, urged the court to admit the defendant to bail, describing the matter as a contractual disagreement and noting that efforts could still be made to resolve it amicably.

Chief Magistrate Sundar Adepoju therefore granted the defendant bail in the sum of N750,000 with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case until June 22, 2026, for a report on possible settlement.