The Police have arraigned two officials of Oyo State government before a Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ibadan, for allegedly stealing and selling 40 bags of sugar from the state’s COVID-19 palliatives.
A trader, Kafayat Babalola, who allegedly bought the stolen palliatives was also arraigned alongside the government officials.
It was gathered that the officials and trader were arraigned on Tuesday and charged with conspiracy, stealing, and receiving stolen goods.
The defendants are a 50-year-old driver, Adebiyi Azeez, and Sunday Akinleye, a 43-year-old Assistant Protocol Officer in charge of palliatives at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The prosecutor, Sunday Ogunremi, told the court that the offence was committed on December 30.
“Adebiyi and Akinleye stole 40 bags of Dangote Sugar, valued at N60,000, being COVID-19 palliatives and property of the Oyo State Government.
“The duo used the official vehicle of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to convey the goods to the buyer.
“The third defendant, Mrs Kafayat Babalola, a trader at Agbeni market, Ibadan, received the 40 bags of sugar, knowing that they were not for sale, being the property of the state government,” Ogunremi said.
He said the offence contravened sections 516, 390 (9) and 427 of the Criminal Code of Oyo State, 2000.
The defendants pleaded not guilty and the Chief Magistrate, Mr Taiwo Oladiran, granted them bail in the sum of N20,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.
Oladiran adjourned the case to February 8 for hearing.
