Mother, son arraigned over alleged theft of N9.1m cash

A 40-year-old mother, Bamitale Oyeneyin, and her son, Michael (20), were on Friday docked before an Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court over the alleged burglary and theft of N9.1 millon cash.
The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Martins Olowofeso, told the court that the two accused persons conspired with others now at large and burgled the home of one Mr Jendor Blessing and stole the sum of N9,100,000 cash.
The prosecutor told the court that Michael concealed the crime that Ayo Oyeneyin, who is at large, told him that he broke into the house of Blessing and stole N9.1 million.
He also said that two accused persons were arrested at a herbalist’s home at Ajisafe Street, Ode-Irele, with the picture of Blessing, for spiritual purposes, with intent to kill him.
Olowofeso said that the accused persons committed the offences on Aug. 3, at about 8:00 p.m. at Efugbo, in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
According to him, the offence is contrary to and punishable under Sections 516, 411(2), 390, 519 and 209 (a),(b) of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the five-count charge of conspiracy, burglary and stealing.
Counsel to the accused persons, Mr Idowu Mafimisebi, prayed the court to admit his clients to bail in liberal terms.
In her ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olayinka Omole, granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N500,000 each, with one surety each in like sum.
Omole added that the sureties must submit a one-year tax clearance certificate from the Ondo State Internal Revenue Board.
She ordered that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and also fill an affidavit of means with two recent passports photographs of the sureties and the accused attached.
The case was adjourned till Sept. 9, for hearing.