State Government Officials Arraigned In Court For Stealing And Selling COVID19 Palliatives

Oyo state police command has arrested and arraigned two officials of the Oyo state government for allegedly stealing and selling 40 bags of sugar, which were part of the COVID-19 palliatives meant for residents of the state.

The suspects, Adebiyi Azeez, 51 who is a driver with the state government and Sunday Akinleye, 43, an Assistant Protocol Officer in charge of palliatives at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Agodi, Ibadan, were arraigned before the Iwo Road Chief Magistrate court on Tuesday, January 5.

The two men were charged alongside a trader, Kafayat Babalola, who allegedly received and bought the stolen gods.  They are facing three counts of conspiracy, stealing and receipt of stolen goods.

The police prosecutor, ASP Sunday Ogunremi, said both men allegedly conspired to commit the offence of stealing.

“Adebiyi, driver, and Akinleye, Assistant Protocol Officer in charge of palliatives, allegedly stole 40 bags of Dangote Sugar COVID-19 palliatives valued at N60, 000 from the ministry. It belongs to the Oyo State Government.

The duo of Adebiyi and Akinleye allegedly used the official vehicle of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters to convey the goods to the buyer.

The third defendant, Mrs Kafayat Babalola, a trader at Agbeni Market, Ibadan, received 40 bags of sugar COVID-19 palliatives knowing that it’s not for sale, and it is the property of Oyo State Government.”  Ogunremi told the court

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He said the offence contravened Sections 516, 390 (9) and 427 of the Criminal Code of Oyo State 2000. The offence was allegedly committed on December 30, 2020 at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

When the charges were read to them, both men pleaded not guilty.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Taiwo Oladiran, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N20,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum, and adjourned the matter till February 8, for hearing.