Ogun man docked for allegedly diverting N5.2m rice money

A 36-year-old man, named Waliu Idowu, has been arraigned before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing N5.2 million belonging to a businesswoman, Ademola Bilikisu.

Bilikisu was said to have given 198 bags of rice worth N9.702 million to the defendant for distribution to customers.

Idowu, however, remitted N4.5 million and failed to account for the balance of N5.2 million despite repeated demands.

DAILY POST reports that Idowu, who was arraigned on a one-count charge of stealing, pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Insp. Evelyn Motim, told the court that the offence was committed on August 10, 2026, at about 5:00 p.m. in the Leme area of Abeokuta.

Motim stated that the defendant initially promised to pay the balance but later claimed he gave the money to one of his workers.

The prosecutor further alleged that the defendant said the worker used the N5.2 million to play sports betting.

Motim noted that the offence contravened Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.

The Magistrate, Mrs O.O. Sam-Obaleye, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5 million.

The court ordered that the surety must be a registered bondsman with the Ogun State Judiciary.

She adjourned the case until September 10, 2026, for hearing.