An Ondo-based legal practitioner, Olusegun Agunloye, has been remanded in custody for allegedly forging the will of a deceased client, Benjamin Chibuzor Ejelonu.
The case, which has sparked significant legal interest, was brought before the Akure division of the Chief Magistrates’ Court.
Agunloye, who is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and forgery, is accused of presenting fraudulent testamentary documents purporting to be the will of the late Ejelonu. The lawyer, whose address was not disclosed in court, allegedly committed the offence on September 7, 2023.
Nelson Akintimehin, the police prosecutor, informed the court that Agunloye conspired with the deceased’s sister, Aminat Ijeoma Bakare, to forge the will. Bakare, who is 72 years old, is currently facing trial in a related case before the same court. The forged will was reportedly lodged at the Probate Registry of the State High Court in Akure.
The charges against Agunloye are based on violations of Sections 516 and 467(2)(f) of the Criminal Code Law of Ondo State, 2006. The defendant pleaded not guilty to both charges.
During the proceedings, the defence counsel, Kehinde Osadugbe, requested bail for his client, arguing that the alleged offences were committed in the course of his legal duties. However, the prosecutor opposed the bail application, labelling Agunloye as a flight risk due to his previous failure to comply with administrative bail conditions granted at the police station.
In his ruling, Magistrate Kolawole Aro granted Agunloye bail in the sum of N2,000,000 with two sureties in like sum. The case has been adjourned until September 26 for a hearing and the consolidation of the charges.
