The Police, yesterday, arraigned a 63-year-old man, Dapo Fatunroti, before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged threats to life, unlawful entry, theft, and fraud.

Fatunroti, who has no fixed address, is facing a five-count charge bordering on threats to life, unlawful entry, stealing, unlawful interference with property, and obtaining money under false pretences.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendant, alongside others still at large, committed the offences on January 10 in Ise-Ekiti.

He alleged that Fatunroti and his accomplices threatened to kill one Rachael Abiodun and, on November 7, 2020, unlawfully entered a parcel of land in her possession.

Oriyomi further claimed that the defendant and his accomplices stole cocoa and palm fruit valued at N3 million from the complainant’s property and unlawfully interfered with it.

In addition, the defendant allegedly obtained N400,000 from the complainant under the pretext of selling land to her, which he failed to deliver. According to the prosecutor, the offences contravene Sections 46, 65, 302(1), 355 and 329(1) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021. He asked the court to adjourn the case to enable him to study the file and assemble his witnesses.

Fatunroti pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Defence counsel, Mr Olawumi Olowolafe, applied for bail, assuring the court that the defendant would not jump bail.

In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Mr Abayomi Adeosun granted bail of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum. He ordered that each surety must present evidence of tax clearance.The case was adjourned till May 20 for hearing.