By Adetokunbo Abiola
The Ondo State Anti-graft Agency and the police have arraigned Bayode Abidemi, 51, Bayode Fabilola, 51 and Adebusuyi Bayode, 50, for allegedly obtaining N18m under false pretenses.
In his ruling on the case, Magistrate Omotosho granted the defendants bail in the sum of N2m each with two sureties in like sum.
The defendants were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretences and criminal conversion.
According to the prosecutor, Folasade Adeyemi, the defendants allegedly committed the offences between February 25 and March 5, 2026, at No. 7 Iromu Street, Oba-Ile, Akure.
Adeyemi alleged that the defendants conspired to obtain N18m from one Mrs Helen Yemisi Adewole by presenting themselves as the owners of a parcel of land and a bungalow comprising two three-bedroom flats at the address.
The accused subsequently converted the N18m belonging to the complainant to their personal use, knowing their representation to be false.
According to the prosecutor, the offences contravened Sections 516, 419 and 390(8)(b) of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, but Adeyemi told the court that the prosecution intended to call two witnesses and urged the court to adjourn the matter.
Counsel for the defendants, Olusola Oke, urged the court to grant them bail on liberal terms, assuring the court that they would provide reliable sureties and would not be a flight risk.
Oke said the second defendant was the elder sister of the first defendant, while the third defendant, a football coach, also knew the other defendants.
He added that the defendants and the nominal complainant were from the same place, arguing that the matter was more likely a family dispute or misunderstanding.
The case was adjourned to October 2, 2026, for a progress report or definite hearing.