A former banker-turned-businessman, Olufemi Olalekan Olushakin, along with two other individuals, Ayomide Akanbi and David Adewale, has been arraigned at the Chief Magistrate Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, on charges of armed robbery.
Olushakin, currently on the run, and his alleged accomplices face accusations under Section 6 (B) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.
According to the police prosecutor, Inspector Kefas Usman, the trio and others allegedly stormed the Global Signature Hotel in Ibadan on December 13, 2024.
They reportedly overpowered the security personnel at the entrance, forcibly entered the premises, and vandalized the hotel’s control room, including the CCTV system.
The suspects are accused of holding the hotel manager, Dare Akinola, at gunpoint, forcing him to surrender weekly earnings totalling over ₦2.14 million.
They allegedly coerced hotel customers to transfer funds directly into Olushakin’s bank account and stole additional equipment, including POS machines and computers.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Giwa Babalola, ordered the detention of Akanbi and Adewale at the Agodi Correctional Center, with the case adjourned to January 29, 2025.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has placed a ₦5 million bounty on Olushakin, urging the public to provide information that could lead to his arrest.
The formal charges cite conspiracy, armed robbery, and theft of hotel property, including cash and other valuables, using firearms and other dangerous weapons.