Nemesis Catches Up With Men Who ‘Sold’ Poor People’s Palliatives

Nemesis may have caught up with two men who allegedly sold palliatives meant to be distributed to poor and vulnerable people during lock down.

The two men, who are officials of the Oyo State government have now been arraigned before the chief magistrate court on Iwo Road, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

They are a 50-year-old Adebiyi Azeez, driver, and a 43-year-old Sunday Akinleye, Assistant Protocol Officer in charge of palliatives at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs 

Alongside a trader, Kafayat Babalola, they face a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and receiving 40 bags of sugar from the state’s COVID-19 palliatives store.

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The defendants are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and receiving stolen goods.

Prosecutor ASP Sunday Ogunremi told the court that Adebiyi and Akinleye conspired to commit the offences.

Ogunremi said: “Adebiyi and Akinleye stole 40 bags of Dangote Sugar, valued at N60,000, being COVID-19 palliatives and property of Oyo State Government.

 “The duo used the official vehicle of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to convey the goods to the buyer.

“The third defendant, Mrs. Kafayat Babalola, a trader at Agbeni market, Ibadan, received the 40 bags of sugar, knowing that they were not for sale, being property of the state government,” said Ogunremi.

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He said the offence contravened sections 516, 390 (9) and 427 of the Criminal Code of Oyo State, 2000.

Ogunremi said the offence was committed on December 30 at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Secretariat, Ibadan.

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The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty, and Chief Magistrate Mr. Taiwo Oladiran granting them bail in the sum of N20,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.

He thereafter, adjourned the matter till February 8 for hearing.