By John Dike, Osogbo

A 42-year-old man, Oni Sola, has been arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court for allegedly diverting N44 million belonging to his employer, Giant Feeds Agricultural Services, a private firm based in Osogbo, Osun State.

Sola, who was an employee of the company, was accused of conspiring with others who are currently at large to misappropriate the funds meant for purchasing animal feeds.

According to the prosecution, the money had been collected from customers as payment for supplied feeds but was never remitted into the company’s account.

Instead, it was allegedly converted for personal use.

After reportedly spending the money, Sola fled but was later apprehended. Unable to refund the funds, he was charged in court.

Appearing before Chief Magistrate Olusegun Ayilara, Sola pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge, which included obtaining money under false pretenses, conspiracy to commit felony, and stealing.

The charge sheet stated: “That you, Oni Sola, and others now at large, between April 2023 and May 2024, in Osogbo, Osun State, conspired to commit a felony, namely obtaining money under false pretenses, thereby committing an offense punishable under Section 422 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II, Laws of Osun State, 2002.”

“That you, Oni Sola, and others now at large, on the same date and place, with intent to defraud, unlawfully obtained the sum of N44,000,000 from customers of Giant Feeds Agricultural Services, under the false pretense of remitting it into the company’s account belonging to one Egbhobamien Tina, an offense punishable under Section 419 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II, Laws of Osun State, 2002.”

“That you conspired among yourselves to commit a felony, namely stealing, thereby committing an offense punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II, Laws of Osun State, 2002.”

“That you converted to your own use the sum of N44,000,000, belonging to one Egbhobamien Tina, thereby committing an offense punishable under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II, Laws of Osun State, 2002.”

Defense counsel Kehinde Adepoju attempted to secure bail for the accused, but the application was opposed by the prosecuting officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) O. Mustapha.

Following the prosecution’s objection, Chief Magistrate Ayilara ordered Sola’s remand at Ilesa Correctional Centre and adjourned the case to February 18, 2025, for mention.

The defense was advised to submit a formal bail application.