Three members of a “one chance” syndicate were on Tuesday, arraigned before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, Oyo State, for allegedly defrauding and stealing cash and phones worth N1, 738, 000.
The defendants are Bayonle Olubunmi , 52, Abiodun Olamilekan, 40, and Oladipupo Ibrahim, 38, residents of Ogbere, Olorunsogo and Atipe Aremo areas of Ibadan.
They were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, intent to steal, and stealing, to which they pleaded not guilty.
The Prosecutor, Sergeant Akeem Akinloye told the court that the defendants allegedly conspired together with others at large, to commit the act of stealing with “one chance” cab.
Mr Akinloye alleged that the defendants on December 28, 2025, at Alakia area in Ibadan, used their Micra taxi as a “one chance” cab to pick one Tawakalitu Olasunkanmi.
He added that the defendants, with intent to steal, collected N20, 000 cash, Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card, from which money was withdrawn, IPhone 15 Pro Max, Techno Pop 8 from Olasunkanmi, through coercion.
Mr Akinloye further alleged that the defendants unlawfully and fraudulently stole the items from her.
The complainant thereafter reported the matter to a PMS official in Alakia, after which the defendants were arrested.
He said the defendants contravened the provisions of Section 383 and punishable under Section 390 (9), 406 and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.
The defence counsel, Dr Olusola Olorunfemi, asked for the defendants’ bail on liberal terms.
The Chief Magistrate, Olabisi Ogunkanmi, admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N500, 000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.
Ms Ogunkanmi said one of the sureties must be a landed property owner within the jurisdiction, while the second sureties must be a blood relative to the defendants.
She adjourned the matter until April 7, for mention. (NAN)