From: WOLE BALOGUN,Ado-Ekiti
The on-going construction of an ultra modern market by Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has suffered a major setback as the State Government has charged five persons to court for stealing 600 bags of cement and 16mm iron rods worth N1,530,000 and N35,000, respectively from the construction site in Old garage, Ado-Ekiti.
The accused were Jegede Olusola, Faleye Sunday, Filani Oladipo, Olabode Felix and Dada Tunde.
Other items alleged to have been stolen by the suspects are 180 pieces of marine board and one roll of binding wire worth N112,000 and N378,000, respectively.
The items valued N2.05m belonging to the state government were meant for the building of the ultra-modern Oja- Oba (King’s market).
The alleged offence is punishable under Sections 390 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap C16, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.
The two-count charge was filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ministry of Justice. Mr. Gbemiga Adaramola.
Count one reads, “That you, Jegede Kayode Olusola, Faleye Sunday, Filani Oladipo, Olabode Felix and Dada Tunde between October 6, 2016 to March 31, 2017 did conspire to steal 600 bags of cement worth N1,530,000, 16mm iron rods worth N35,000, one roll of binding wire worth N112,000, 180 pieces of marine board worth N378,000 total value of N2.05m, property of Ekiti State Government at the site of ultra-modern Oba’s market, old garage, Ado Ekiti within the Ado Ekiti Magisterial District, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap C16, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.”
At the resumed hearing yesterday afternoon, the prosecutor asked Chief Magistrate Idowu Aiyenimo for a short adjournment to enable him respond to the counter-affidavit and Preliminary Objection filed against the charge.
“We were served this morning, we thought we will be able to respond to the processes but unfortunately we are still typing stage.
“Consequent upon this, we will be asking for a very short adjournment.”
The defence counsel, Olawale Obafemi, did not object to the application.
Ruling, Chief Magistrate Aiyenimo adjourned the case till August 17 for hearing.