An Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan has arraigned a 36-year-old artisan, Emmanuel Temitope, for allegedly defaming his employer and obtaining ₦1.8 million under false pretenses.
Temitope, whose residential address was not disclosed, is facing a two-count charge of defamation and cheating.
According to the prosecutor, Corporal Akeem Akinloye, the defendant in April sent a voice note via WhatsApp in which he threatened to defame his former employer, Mr. Kolawole Shoore. Akinloye told the court that the voice note led to Shoore’s dismissal from his place of work and the subsequent forfeiture of his entitlements.
“The defendant’s actions not only damaged the complainant’s reputation but also caused him significant financial loss,” Akinloye said.
The prosecution further alleged that in March, Temitope collected ₦1.8 million from Shoore for the demolition and renovation of a building located on Liberty Road in Ibadan. However, he allegedly failed to complete the project as agreed.
The offences, Akinloye stated, are in violation of Sections 373 and 421 of the Criminal Code Law of Oyo State, 2000.
Temitope pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Presiding over the matter, Chief Magistrate Mrs. Olabisi Ogunkanmi granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦750,000, with two sureties in like sum. She directed that one of the sureties must be a blood relative of the accused.
The case was adjourned until September 4 for further hearing.