Ondo Commissioner arrests GM Oil company over mismanagement of fund, is demanding for N500,000 monthly-GM

The Ondo State Commissioner for Industry and Commerce, Mr. Tayo Akinjomo has ordered the arrest of his brother who is the General Manager of Okitipupa Oil Palm Plc, Mr. Henry Olatujoye over the mismanagement of the company.

The company in which Ondo State Government has 29.8 per cent equity shares was established by the Western Nigeria Development Company and its became the property of the Ondo State following the creation of the state in 1976.

Over the years, the fortune of the company had been nose diving and had been operating at a loss culminating in the company’s management placed under receivership.

The crisis between the two brothers erupted over the petition written by the Ministry of Commerce and signed by the commissioner urging the police to investigate the activities of the company since his brother, Olatujoye became the Chief Executive Officer of the company.

The petition, which the commissioner said was sequel to series of complaints by customers particularly one Mrs Amaekwe Ugochi Joy, led to the arrest of the general manager and detention for two days at the State Criminal Investigation Department  (CID) of the Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Police.

The ministry also alleged that Olatujoye embezzled millions of naira belonging to the company and that he sold some company’s property without following due process.

Narrating his ordeal during his arrest and detention, Olatujoye said he was dragged to Akure headquarters of the Nigeria Police despite his plea that he would come on his own the following day.

He said despite his plea, he was kept in the same cell with hardened criminals, who gave him his respect when he narrated what brought him to the police headquarters.

Olatujoye alleged that the commissioner caused his arrest over his refusal of N500, 000 monthly gift demanded by  Akinjomo  apart from other request he made.

He said while in detention, the commissioner had nominated somebody to take over from him despite non conclusion of investigation.

The embattled general manager said that he had contacted his lawyer to institute an action against his unlawful detention and embarrassment.

Reacting swiftly, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry said the police was invited probe into the activities of the company in view of myriads of complaints by customers, who said the man collected money from them without supplying them the goods.

Akinjomo said the man, who is an employee of the company deceived the government before he was employed and that he had refused to bring file containing his record of service despite several reminders.

The commissioner challenged the embattled general manager to provide evidences that he requested for money or other gratification from him.

He said what the government was trying to do is to stabilize the company which is capable of providing employment for the teeming unemployed youths in the state.

Akinjomo said the government would not succumb to blackmail from any quarter adding that the general manager would not be allowed to return to the office until he is able to provide what he was asked to produce including his personal file