Octogenarian, two others dock for stealing in Ondo

An 87 year old man, Chief Rufus Oladele Oyeneyin and two others were Monday, dragged before an Akure High Court for alleged stealing, obtaining registration under false pretence, illegal possession of firearms, and deliberate flouting of court order

The Octogenarian, who pleaded not guilty with two other accused, Sylvester Ovwighotu and Odeyemi Olufemi, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them by the office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State

The Prosecuting Counsel, John Olowookere in the charges filed before Justice Yemi Adeyanju accused the octogenarian of “conspiracy to commit felony contrary to and punishable under section 516 of the criminal code, cap 37 vol 1 laws of Ondo State of Nigeria”

The Octogenarian was also alleged of “forcible entry, contrary to and punishable under section 81 of the criminal code cap 37, vol 1, laws of the Ondo State.

Other charges included contempt of court contrary to section 133 (8),malicious injuries, contrary to and punishable under section 451 of the criminal code, conspiracy to commit felony contrary to section 516 and stealing contrary to section 383 (2) and punishable under section 390(9) of the criminal code.

The trio were accused of “illegal possession of firearms contrary to and punishable under sections 3(1) and 7 (1) of the robbery and firearms special provisions act, cap R11 vol 14 laws of the state.”

However, the old man told the court he could not be guilty of the charges against him describing all the charges against him as tissue of lies and affirmed his innocence.

His counsel, Mr Tunji Busari in his application for bail urged the court to grant bail to the accused in liberal terms.

Busari pleaded that the Octogenarian being an old man should be granted bail pledging that he will not obstruct the cause of justice as he would be presented before the court anytime the case would come up for hearing.

Despite the opposition to the bail application, justice Adeyanju granted bail to the accused with N1million and two sureties in like sum, while the Judge said the surety must be residents in the jurisdiction of the court and must present three years tax clearance.

The Judge fixed the case to October 25, November 2 to 7 for hearing