According to a statement from the Head of Media and Publicity of the antigraft agency, Dele Oyewale, the suspects were arraigned on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, on three counts bordering on conspiracy and diversion of 33.360 metric tons of Cocoa beans worth N97m
Count one of the charges reads; “That you, Lateef Babatunde, Oyetunde Ibrahim, Wahab Adisa (at large), Razaq Babatunde (at large), Ayobami Bello (at large), Ibrahim Fatai (at large) and Oladimeji Olaitan (at large) on or about the 21st December 2022 at Ibadan, within the jurisdiction of this court, conspired to fraudulently convert 33.360 metric tons of cocoa beans valued at N97m belonging to Olam Nigeria Limited, thereby committed an offence of conspiracy to commit felony, to wit: stealing by conversion contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”
Another charge reads: “That you, Olanipekun Joseph on or about the 24th December 2022 at Ibadan, within the jurisdiction of this court, received 33.360 metric tons of stolen cocoa beans valued at N97m belonging to Olam Nigeria Limited, thereby committed an offence of receiving stolen property contrary to Section 427 of Criminal Code Law of Oyo State 2000.”
The defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when read to them.
Given their pleas, prosecution counsel, Damilare Odemuyiwa asked the court for a trial date.
He also prayed the court to remand the defendants to a correctional centre pending their date of trial.
However, counsel for the defendants, Alabi Ogor, informed the court of his bail application filed before the court.
Justice Olajide granted the defendants bail in the sum of N10m each and two sureties in like sum each.
He further ordered that the defendants be remanded in the EFCC custody pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions.
The matter was adjourned till February 19, 2024, for commencement of trial.
