EFCC charges Lateef Babatunde, Olanipekun Joseph, Oyetunde Ibrahim with allegation of diversion of N97m cocoa beans.

Judge Adebukola Olajide of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, has arraigned Lateef Babatunde, Olanipekun Joseph, and Oyetunde Ibrahim on behalf of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The accused were charged on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, on three counts related to conspiracy and diversion of 33.360 metric tons of cocoa beans valued at N97 million, according to a statement from the antigraft agency’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale.

“That you, Lateef Babatunde, Oyetunde Ibrahim, Wahab Adisa (at large), Razaq Babatunde (at large), Ayobami Bello (at large), Ibrahim Fatai (at large), and Oladimeji Olaitan (at large) on or about the 21st of December, 2022 at Ibadan, within the jurisdiction of this court, conspired to fraudulently convert 33.360 metric tons of cocoa beans valued at N97 million belonging to Olam Nigeria Limited, thereby committing a felony of conspiracy to commit stealing by conversion in violation of Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”

In accordance with Section 427 of the Criminal Code Law of Oyo State 2000, “that you, Olanipekun Joseph on or about the 24th of December 2022 at Ibadan, within the jurisdiction of this court, received 33.360 metric tons of stolen cocoa beans valued at N97m belonging to Olam Nigeria Limited,” is the charge that follows.

After reading the charges, the defendants entered a “not guilty” plea.

Prosecution attorney Damilare Odemuyiwa requested a trial date from the court in light of the pleas.

Additionally, he asked the court to remand the accused to a detention facility while they await trial.

Nonetheless, Alabi Ogor, the defendants’ attorney, told the court of his bail request that was submitted to the court.

Judge Olajide gave two sureties the same amount each, in addition to the defendants’ N10 million bail.

He also gave the order to keep the defendants in the EFCC’s custody till their bail requirements were met.

The matter was postponed until February 19, 2024, when the trial was to begin.