Ekiti: Fayose’s Spokesman, Lere Olayinka Arraigned Over Alleged N13.5m Fraud

The spokesperson to former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, Lere Olayinka, has been arraigned by the police before the Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates Court for alleged N13.5 million fraud.

The prosecutor, Insp. Johnson Okunade told the court that the defendant committed the offence between 2014 and 2018 at the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State, (BSES) Ilokun in Ado-Ekiti.

Okunade while speaking before the court noted that the spokesperson of Fayose abuse his office when he failed to remit revenue from the Broadcasting station to the tune of N13.5 million to the account of Ekiti State Government.

Lere was accused of authorizing travelling allowance of N7m in his name for journeys not embarked upon while he was the Director-General of the Broadcasting station.

The prosecutor further stated that Lere allegedly converted N13.5m belonging to the Broadcasting Station to his own personal use.

Okunade noted that the offence contravened the provisions of sections 104, 390(5) and 419 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.

He called on the court for an adjournment to enable him to study the case file and present his witnesses.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Counsel to the defendant, Former Attorney-General of Ekiti State, Mr Kolapo Kolade, prayed the court to grant his client bail in the most liberal terms.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Adesoji Adegboye, in his ruling admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum having verifiable addresses in the sum of N500,000.

Adegboye said that one of the sureties must be a community leader, while the second must produce proof of land ownership.

The case was adjourned until April 27 for hearing.