The Department of State Services, DSS, has arraigned six suspected Ekiti State Tax Fraudsters before the State’s Magistrate Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti today.
This is coming after the Federal Republic of Nigeria filled a suit against the accused: Olarewaju Adesoye, Mayowa Nelson Ajisafe, Matthew Ilesanmi Olarenwaju, Olorunfemi Osho, Joseph Sunday Balogun and Ajayi Temidayo for an alleged false represention of the Internal Revenue Service in the State.
Reading out the suit, the Court noting the charges on a six count offences bothering on an alleged false pretence, possession of fraudulent documents, using false documents and counterfeit seals and impersonation.
Defending the accused who pleaded not guilty to the charges, the Defendants Lawyer, Barrister Timi Omotoso, confirming the charges against them pleaded with the Chief Magistrate, Saka Afunso that the accused be granted release on bail.
In his ruling, Magistrate Saka Afunso granted the order, that the defendants be granted a bail of N500,000 each and the provision of three sureties that would represent two defendants respectively.
Stating out conditions for the sureties, the Magistrate noted that, all sureties have a reasonable source of income and must be residing in Ado-Ekiti, adding that, documents of the sureties and sureties would be held responsible incase any of the accused abscond.
However, the case has been adjourned till Friday 26th day of January, 2024 for further hearing.