Agboola Ajayi, the former deputy governor of Ondo State, has been served with a bench warrant by an Akure Magistrate Court.
The warrant was issued in relation to allegations of theft leveled against the state’s immediate past deputy governor.
In May 2018, he was accused of getting a brand new Toyota Camry worth N5.4 million through deception and participating in stealing.
The Commissioner of Police had requested a bench warrant to ensure Ajayi’s appearance in court to answer the allegations.
Following the filing of the application, the court ordered Ajayi to appear in court or make a statement on November 24.
Meanwhile, two former Agboola Ajayi aides, Ogunmusi Samuel and Akintoye Olatunji, have already been charged in connection with the alleged theft of a car from one Segun Adetuwo, commonly known as Showboy.
In his statement, Samuel stated that the former deputy governor directed him to take Olatunji to Adetuwo to retrieve the automobile.
He stated that he picked up a black Toyota Camry XLE from Adetuwo but left without paying for the vehicle.
The prosecutor, Emmanuel Tanimowo, informed the court that Ajayi had failed to react to the invitation to tell his side of the story.
Akintoye’s attorney, Barrister Omolegbon Odunsola, indicated that he had been actively attempting to contact Agboola and Adetuwo in order to investigate the potential of settling the matter out of court.
According to Alex Olademehin, who represents Adetuwo, Agboola insisted on either providing a written statement to the police or appearing in person before the court.
Taiwo Lebi, the presiding magistrate, issued an order requiring Ajayi or his statement to appear in court on the next adjourned date.
A further hearing has been scheduled for November 24, 2023.