The police on Thursday arraigned two men, Teslim Lawal and Mutiu Omotunwase, before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, Oyo State, for allegedly defrauding rice sellers and stealing property worth N17.4 million.

​The defendants, Mr Lawal, 48, and Mr Omotunwase, 54, whose addresses were not provided, were arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretences, and theft.

​They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

​The prosecutor, Olagoke Adegbenro, said the defendants committed the offences on June 5 at the Agodi Gate area of Ibadan.

​Mr Adegbenro alleged that the defendants and others at large fraudulently obtained N1.5 million from Muibi Kabiru and N600,000 from Bolaji Oyetunbi under the pretence of supplying them bags of rice.

​He further alleged that the defendants stole a Mazda bus worth N15 million and two phones worth N380,000, belonging to Mr Kabiru.

​According to the prosecutor, the defendants converted the total sum of N17.48 million obtained from the complainants to their personal use.

​The offences contravene Sections 390(9), 419, and 516 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

​The Magistrate Olasinmibo Sanusi granted the defendants bail in the sum of N2 million each with two sureties in like sum.

Ms ​Sanusi ordered that one of the sureties must be a blood relation to the defendant and the other a civil servant with proof of employment.

​She adjourned the case until July 6 for hearing. 

(NAN)