A set of twin brothers and six others, who allegedly diverted cashew nuts worth N31, 788,040 belonging to one Jamiu Oke were on Tuesday brought before an Igbosere Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
The six others are: Jelili Elo, 35, Adeshina Sikiru, 32, Sadiq Morufu, Femi Adegboyega, 27, Dada Ishola, 32, and Mohammed Yunusa, 28.
They were arraigned by the Federal Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (FCIID), Alagbon-Ikoyi, Lagos, before Chief Magistrate Folashade Botoku on a two-count charge of conspiracy and unlawful diversion.
Prosecuting counsel Morufu Animashaun alleged that the defendants committed the offences on March 20, at Isolo area of the Lagos.
He said Oke, a cashew nut dealer, contracted the defendants to sell the nuts valued at N31,788,040, but they diverted the money after the sale.
Oke petitioned the FCIID, which began an investigation that indicted the defendants.
According to the prosecutor, the offences contravened sections 411 and 287(5) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
Each defendant pleaded not guilty.
Their counsel, Mr. M. A. Popoola, applied for their bail, “in the most liberal terms”, adding that they had responsible sureties and would not jump bail.
Animashaun did not oppose him, but prayed the court to impose such terms that would ensure their attendance for trial.
In a Bench Ruling, Chief Magistrate Botoku granted each defendant N2 million bail, with two sureties in the like sum.
She remanded the defendants in prison custody, pending fulfillment of the bail terms and adjourned till September 4 for trial.