AN Ondo State-based legal practitioner, Olusegun Agunloye, has been arraigned for allegedly forging the Will of a deceased client, Benjamin Chibuzor Ejelonu.
Agunloye appeared before a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Akure, where he was accused of presenting a fake Will for Ejelonu.
The lawyer, whose address was not provided in court, faces two charges of conspiracy and forgery.
Police prosecutor Nelson Akintimehin informed the court that Agunloye committed the alleged offences on 7 September 2023. He added that the lawyer reportedly conspired with the deceased’s sister, Aminat Ijeoma Bakare, who is currently on trial in connection with the same case.
Akintimehin stated that Bakare, 72, worked with Agunloye to forge the Will and submit it to the Probate Registry of the state High Court in Akure. This action violates sections 516 and 467(2)(f) of the Criminal Code Law of Ondo State, 2006.
Agunloye pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Akintimehin requested an adjournment to enable him to gather his witnesses and consolidate the charges against the defendant.
Defence counsel Kehinde Osadugbe urged the court to grant bail on self-cognizance, citing Agunloye’s status as a practising lawyer and arguing that the alleged offences occurred while he was fulfilling his legal duties.
The prosecutor opposed the bail application, contending that Agunloye posed a flight risk and had previously abused the administrative bail he was granted by the police.
In his ruling, Magistrate Kolawole Aro granted bail to Agunloye in the sum of N2,000,000, with two sureties in like sum.
The magistrate adjourned the case till 26 September 2024 for the hearing and consolidation of the charges.
Credit: Journalist101
Eighteen-Eleven Media