Yenagoa—The Bayelsa State Police Command has instituted a court case against the Special Representative of Governor Douye Diri in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Hon. Obuma Ayaye over alleged involvement in the issuance of a dud cheque to offset a N2.5million loan secured since 2021.
It was gathered that the prosecuting officer of the Police, S.C Njoku, in case number YMC/82c/2022 filed a suit before the Magistrate Court in yenagoa, requesting for the remand of Ayaye.
The suit was premised on the claims that Ayaye is reasonably suspected to have committed the criminal offense of issuing dud cheques and fraud from July 2021 to October 2021.
The police argued that though the investigation into the case is still ongoing, “the offense for which the defendant is arrested is a serious offense triable at the state high court by the dishonored Cheques Act, 2004 and there is a reasonable and probable cause to remand the defendant for a period of 30days by which time information will be filed.”
“That the defendant fraudulently defrauded Mr. Ken Tonkmor of the sum of N2.510million and issued dud cheques which were dishonored on presentation at the bank. That the grant of the application is in the interest of Justice.”
However, the Magistrate, Akata-Micheal Rachael Gwadei Esq, declined to issue the order to remand Ayaye due to the status of the defendant being a present employee with the State Government.
It was gathered that the Police are preparing to file the case at the State High Court after the magistrate granted him bail.
While speaking with newsmen on the development, the alleged fraud victim, Mr. Ken Tonkmor, alleged that the accused Hon. Obuma Ayaye was traced and arrested in Benin by the police.
He said, “When the accused was Director-General, Youth Mobilisation during Former Governor Dickson’s tenure, he borrowed money and when he finished paying he borrowed again. And this time, he issued dud cheque and used his salary payment account as collateral.”
Meanwhile, the accused, Hon. Obuma Ayaye when contacted on the issue, confirmed that he had financial dealings with one Mr. Ken Tonkmor, but the claims of the alleged issuance of dud cheque and fraud were untrue.
“I have had several financial dealings with Tonkmor but this last one ran into hitches. The Bank cheque issued to him is part of a requirement during money lending deals. You issue a cheque once you pay, the check is returned to you. It is not a dud cheque but a promissory note for access to your account.”
“I have even discussed the issue with the Governor and he has promised to intervene. There are plans to defray the money. But he (Tonkmor) got angry and I reminded him that all other transactions were outside the police.
“All financial dealings I have had with Tonkmor have been based on friendship and the only dispute that can arise is when I deny that we did not have financial dealings. I am ready to face the charges and tell the judge what transpired.”
