The police in Ekiti, on Thursday, arraigned a 52-year-old man, Oluwole Aliu, before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged fraud and willful damage.

The defendant, of no fixed address, is standing trial on a three-count charge of fraud, willful damage and stealing.

The prosecutor, ASP Johnson Okunade, told the court that the defendant committed the offences sometime in 2022 in Ado-Ekiti.

Mr Okunade said that the defendant, a mechanic, obtained the sum of N420,000 from a lawyer, Ayo Oguntuase, on the pretext of repairing his car.

He said that the defendant willfully damaged one Toyota Highlander SUV’s engine, airflow and rear side glass, all valued at N967,000, belonging to the complainant.

Mr Okunade also said that the defendant stole some items, including vehicle catalyst, radio, torch, car charger, phone multiple chargers, table tennis kits, clothing and kitchen utensils, all valued at N578,000, belonging to the complainant.

According to him, the offences contravene Sections 329(1) and (3), 363 and 302(1)(a) of the Criminal Laws of Ekiti State, 2021.

The prosecutor asked the court for adjournment to enable him to study the case file and present his witnesses.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him.

Counsel to the defendant, Adunni Olanipekun, urged the court to grant the defendant bail, with a promise that he would not jump bail.

The chief magistrate, A.O Adeosun, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum.

Mr Adeosun, who said that one of the sureties must be a traditional ruler, adjourned the case till Oct. 20 for hearing.

(NAN)