The trio of Lateef Jamiu Babatunde, Olanipekun Olawale Joseph and Oyetunde Abioye Ibrahim were, on Tuesday, arraigned before Justice Adebukola Olajide of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The arraignment and three-count charge against the three were contained in a press release by the EFCC Head of Head, Media and Publicity, Wale Oyewale.
They were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and diversion of 33.360 metric tons of cocoa beans worth N97, 578 million, belonging to Olam Nigeria Limited.
They were said to have been authorised by their employer, Isiaka Saheed, Managing Director of Sidoclear Services Nigeria to deliver the said goods at Tincan Port Apapa, Lagos State between 21 and 24 December, 2022.
Count One of the charge reads; “That you, Lateef Jamiu Babatunde, Oyetunde Abioye Ibrahim, Wahab Yusuf Adisa (at large), Razaq Afeez Babatunde (at large), Ayobami Yusuf Bello (at large), Ibrahim Akin Fatai (at large) and Oladimeji Mutiu Olaitan (at large) on or about the 21st December, 2022 at Ibadan, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired to fraudulently convert 33.360 metric tons of Cocoa Beans valued at N97, 578 million 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 Olawale Joseph on or about the 24th December, 2022 at Ibadan, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, received 33.360 Metric Tons of Stolen Cocoa Beans valued at N97, 578 million 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 two charges when read to them.
Prosecution counsel, Damilare Odemuyiwa, consequently asked the court for a trial date. He also prayed the court to remand the defendants in the Correctional Centre, pending their date of trial.
However, counsel to the defendants, Alabi Ogor informed the court of his bail application for his clients filed before the court.
Justice Olajide granted the three accused bail in the sum of N10million each and two sureties in like sum each.
“The sureties must be gainfully employed, they must also provide evidence of three years tax payments, including land documents within the jurisdiction of the court.
“Other conditions are passport photographs, residential and office addresses which must be provided and verified by the court.
“The trial judge 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,” it was stated in the press release.
