Saturday, August 31, 2024 - An Ondo-based legal practitioner, Olusegun Agunloye, has been remanded in custody for allegedly forging the will of a deceased client, Benjamin Chibuzor Ejelonu. The case, which has sparked significant legal interest, was brought before the Akure division of the Chief Magistrates’ Court.
Agunloye, who is facing a two-count
charge of conspiracy and forgery, is accused of presenting fraudulent
testamentary documents purporting to be the will of the late Ejelonu. The
lawyer, whose address was not disclosed in court, allegedly committed the offence
on September 7, 2023.
Nelson Akintimehin, the police
prosecutor, informed the court that Agunloye conspired with the deceased's
sister, Aminat Ijeoma Bakare, to forge the will. Bakare, who is 72 years old,
is currently facing trial in a related case before the same court. The forged
will was reportedly lodged at the Probate Registry of the State High Court in
Akure.
The charges against Agunloye are
based on violations of Sections 516 and 467(2)(f) of the Criminal Code Law of
Ondo State, 2006. The defendant pleaded not guilty to both charges.
During the proceedings, the defence
counsel, Kehinde Osadugbe, requested bail for his client, arguing that the
alleged offences were committed in the course of his legal duties. However, the
prosecutor opposed the bail application, labelling Agunloye as a flight risk
due to his previous failure to comply with administrative bail conditions
granted at the police station.
In his ruling, Magistrate Kolawole Aro
granted Agunloye bail in the sum of N2,000,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The case has been adjourned until September 26 for a hearing and the
consolidation of the charges.
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