Principal Remanded by Ondo Court for Faking Abduction in Connection to N12 Million Fraud

Matthew Afolabi, the principal of a secondary school, has been remanded in prison by an Akure Magistrate Court in Ondo state, following accusations of fraud and feigning his own abduction.

He allegedly defrauded members of Ifesowapo CTS association of N12 million and then staged his kidnapping to cover up the crime.

The arrest was made by the state security outfit, Amotekun, after the accused was reported by his family, staff, friends, and members of the Ifesowapo CTS Association.

The prosecution counsel, Segun Akeredolu, stated that the accused committed the offences around 7 pm in Igbara Oke, Ifedore council area of the state.

Afolabi allegedly converted N12 million, belonging to Ifesowapo CTS Association members, for his personal use, and falsely presented himself as a kidnap victim to extort the money.

He claimed to have been abducted by unknown gunmen and held hostage in the bush, requesting ransom from his family and friends.

The charges against Afolabi are in violation of Sections 383 and punishable under Sections 390(9) and 9 of Ondo State Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Abduction Law, 2010.

During the court proceedings, the defendant’s plea was not taken, and the prosecution requested that he be remanded at Olokuta Correctional Centre until the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) provides further advice.

In response, the defense counsel, B.H. Awi, asked for an adjournment to file a counter affidavit regarding the remand application.

As a result, the trial Magistrate, Damilola Sekoni, ordered the remand of Matthew Afolabi at Olokuta Correctional Centre until the DPP issues further advice on the case.