By FUNMILAYO OKUNADE

An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court, on Wednesday, ordered the remand of a 32-year-old man, Femi Adeyemo, at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre, pending legal advice.

Adeyemo, whose address was not stated, was brought before the Chief Magistrate, Mr Abayomi Adeosun, on charges bordering on alleged N16 million fraud.

His plea, was however, not taken by the court.

The prosecutor, Insp Akinwale Oriyomi, informed the court that the police filed an application, seeking remand of the defendant in custody, on the grounds that the court lacks jurisdiction to try the case.

He, consequently, urged the court to order a remand of the defendant at the correctional centre, pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Adeosun accordingly, ordered the remand of the defendant in custody, pending issuance of a legal advice.

He adjourned the case until Oct.27, for mention.

According to the charge, the defendant was alleged to have committed the offence between May 2024 and September, at Ikere-Ekiti.

The prosecution alleged that the defendant, who worked as manager in a filling station, adjusted the pump dispenser, and sold fuel without remitting the total sum of N16 million.

He said that the offence contravenes the provision of section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a magistrates’ court awaits DPP advice in serious cases, especially those that require prosecution at higher courts.

The lower court requires guidance of the DPP, to determine if there are grounds to prosecute the case, and how to proceed.

In such situations, the defendant is remanded in custody until the DPP’s office completes its legal advice. (NAN)