Nine employees of Davies Hotel, Old Bodija, Ibadan, have been arraigned over the alleged diversion of N17.6 million generated from guests’ lodging payments, in a case that highlights persistent internal control and fraud risks within the hospitality industry.
According to the prosecution, the alleged theft accumulated between 2021 and May 2026 through proceeds collected from guests at the hotel.
The defendants, Okonta Friday, 49; Oluseyi Adewumi, 50; Martha James, 33; Adewale Adedire, 47; Fashotito Folorunso, 48; Sunday Tojola, 39; Gafar Moruf, 30; Blessing Etim, 47; and Oseni Olalekan, 27, appeared before the Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan on Friday, where they pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiracy and theft.
Prosecutor, PC Olapeju Durodola, told the court that the defendants allegedly stole N17.6 million, representing proceeds from payments made for accommodation at the facility. She stated that the offences contravened Sections 390(9) and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi granted each defendant bail in the sum of N5 million, with two sureties in like sum.
Ogunkanmi ruled that the sureties must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and that one surety for each defendant must be a relative.
The case was adjourned until September 29 for hearing.
