Four face N3.9m theft charge at magistrates’ court

Four men were on Tuesday brought before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court for allegedly hacking an Ecobank account and stealing N3,922,799.82.

Omotosho John Ifetayo, Adeboye Oluwatosin, Esagba Ovie Kayode, 27, and his brother Esagba Emmanuel Ayomikun, 22,  were arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining under false pretence and stealing.

The Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (Force CIID) Annex, Alagbon-Ikoyi, said the defendants committed the offence last October 31.

Prosecuting each police officer Morufu Animashaun alleged that they conspired and stole the cash from the bank’s offshore account through its Rapid Transfer Platform.

They pleaded not guilty.

Their counsel, Ige Asemudara, applied for their bail “on the most liberal terms.”

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He said the defendants were ready for their trial adding that they would not abscond.

“The defendants were earlier granted administrative bail by the police and they never jumped bail,” he said.

According to him, the defendants had no criminal record and this is the first time they would be charged with any offence.

“As a defence, we are undertaking that they shall attend the trial. When we open the case, the court will find merit in our case,” Asemudara added.

Animashaun did not oppose the application but prayed the court to apply its discretion.

Magistrate M. O. Ope-Agbe granted the defendants N10million bail with one surety each in the like sum, among other conditions.

The case continues on September 16.