‘SSS official’ docked for N2.9 million job scam in Ondo

Mr Omhenemhen accused the defendant of converting the total sum of N2,970,000, belonging to Mr Adebayo, Mrs Ajidara, and Mrs Adeyanju, to his use.

Tosin Ajuwon • March 17, 2023

Court room used to illustrate the story

Ebenezer Adefehinti, a self-acclaimed official of the State Security Service (SSS), has been docked before an Akure Magistrates’ Court, for alleged scam.

Mr Adefehinti was arraigned by the police after he was accused of defrauding some parents in the state, under the pretence of securing jobs in the SSS for their children.

The defendant was alleged to have committed the offence in June 2022, at three separate locations in Ayegun, Oka Akoko area of the state.

The police prosecutor, Augustine Omhenemhen, told the court how Mr Adefehinti allegedly obtained the sum of N570,000 from a cleric, Issac Adebayo, with the promise to secure a slot for his son, Daniel Adebayo, in the SSS.

Mr Omhenemhen also added that the defendant allegedly swindled a woman, Bola Ajidara, in the sum of N650,000 with assurance to get his son, identified as Abiola John, the plum job in the same SSS.

According to the prosecutor, Mr Adefehinti also obtained the sum of N1,750,000 under false pretence from Bosede Adeyanju, with promises to help her secure employment for a family member and another friend, Odo Kehinde and Oladimeji Olarewaju, in the secret police.

Mr Omhenemhen, however, accused the defendant of converting the total sum of N2,970,000, belonging to Mr Adebayo, Mrs Ajidara, and Mrs Adeyanju, to his use.

Mr Adefehinti’s offences contravene sections 418, 419, 383, 390, 484, and 108 (2) of the Criminal Code, Cap, 37 volume 1 Law of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006, the court heard.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the offences.

However, the prosecutor pleaded with the court to allow him to gather more witnesses for the case.

But the defence counsel, A. I, Akinde, prayed the court to grant his client bail in the most liberal terms.

Ruling on the case, Magistrate O.R. Yakubu granted the defendant bail in the sum of N2,000,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Mr Yakubu added that the defendant must first be remanded at the Nigeria Correctional Service in Olokuta, Akure until he perfects his bail.

He, however, adjourned the case till March 23, 2023, for further hearing.

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