Grace Omachoko
The Department of State Services (DSS), on Wednesday arraigned six suspected Internal Revenue Service Fraudsters in Ekiti state before the State’s Magistrate Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti.
This came after the Federal Republic of Nigeria filled a suit against the accused: Olarewaju Adesoye, Mayowa Nelson Ajisafe, Matthew Ilesanmi Olarenwaju, Olorunfemi Osho, Joseph Sunday Balogun and Ajayi Temidayo for an alleged false representation of the Internal Revenue Service in the State.
Reading out the suit, the Court noted the charges on a six count offences bothering on alleged false pretence, possession of fraudulent documents, using false documents, counterfeit seals and impersonation.
Defending the accused who pleaded not guilty to the charges, the Defendants’ Lawyer, Barrister Timi Omotoso, confirmed the charges against them with the Chief Magistrate, Saka Afunso that the accused be granted release on bail.
In his ruling, Magistrate Saka Afunso granted the order, that the defendants be granted a bail of N500,000 each and the provision of three sureties that would represent two defendants respectively.
Stating out conditions for the sureties, the Magistrate noted that, all sureties have a reasonable source of income, and must be resident in Ado-Ekiti, adding that, the sureties and documents of the sureties would be held responsible in case any of the accused abscond.
However, the case has been adjourned till Friday 26th January, 2024 for further hearing.