The management of Guarantee Trust Bank Plc, GTB situated at plot 1659 Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, has taken legal action against its employee, Komolafe Oluwayomi, aged 45, for allegedly embezzling the sum of N9,989,000 from the bank’s account and using the funds for personal gain.
Following a complaint lodged by GTB’s management, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Bar Beach division, Victoria Island, Lagos, ordered the arrest of the defendant.
Following an investigation led by Inspector Patience Eguabor and her team, Oluwayomi, who resides in Unity Close, Ojodu, Lagos, and hails from Ondo State, was brought before the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court on Lagos Island on two of cocount charges of conspiracy and theft.
During the court proceedings, the police counsel, Ben Ekundayo, informed the court that the defendant allegedly committed the crimes while on duty at Guaranty Trust Bank Plc on Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Ekundayo explained to the Court that the defendant breached the trust given to him by his employer as the officer responsible for disbursing drivers’ retirement benefits. He allegedly manipulated the retirement benefits payroll by adding his friend’s name and account details, transferring N9,989,000 to his friend’s account under the guise of being a legitimate beneficiary. Subsequently, he moved the funds from his friend’s account to his personal account at GTB Bank and used the money for personal gain.
The fraudulent activity came to light when GTB’s management conducted an audit of the drivers’ retirement payroll accounts.
Ekundayo further explained that the crimes committed by the defendant fall under sections 411 and 287(7) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Despite the charges, the defendant pleaded not guilty. Magistrate M.A. Owunmi granted him bail set at N2 million with two sureties of the same amount.
The case was adjourned until June 11, 2024, for mention, and the defendant was ordered to be held at the Ikoyi correctional facility until he fulfills the bail requirements.
