Crime

Lawyer Faces Court Over Alleged Will Forgery in Ondo

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 30th, 2024.

Lawyer Faces Court Over Alleged Will Forgery in Ondo

Federal High Court

Olusegun Agunloye, a lawyer, faced charges in a Chief Magistrate Court in Akure, Ondo State, on Thursday, accused of forgery. Agunloye, 49, is alleged to have submitted a fraudulent testamentary document, purportedly the will of the late Benjamin Ejelonu, to the court’s probate registry.

The police charged Agunloye with conspiracy and forgery, claiming the offenses occurred on September 7, 2023, at around 10:30 am at the High Court probate registry in Akure. Prosecutor Nelson Akintimehin alleged that Agunloye, in collusion with Aminat Bakare, the deceased’s sister, forged the will to deceive Oluwamodupe Ejelonu.

The charges are based on Sections 516 and 467(2)(f) of the Ondo State Criminal Code Law, 2006. Agunloye pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor requested an adjournment to gather witnesses and consolidate the charges.

Defense attorney Kehinde Osadugbe sought bail on self-recognizance, arguing that the alleged crime was part of Agunloye’s legal duties. The prosecutor, however, opposed bail, citing concerns over Agunloye’s flight risk and previous bail violations.

Magistrate Kolawole Aro granted bail in the amount of N2 million with two sureties of equal value. The case was adjourned until September 2024 for further hearing and consolidation. Unable to meet bail conditions, Agunloye was remanded in police custody.