2 men docked over alleged N1m visa fraud

Two men –Lawrence Igwenta and Simon Oneusaka, were on Thursday brought before a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, over alleged N1 million visa fraud.

Igwenta, 55 and Oneusaka, 38, are being tried on a three-count charge of fraudulently obtaining money under false pretences, conspiracy and stealing.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Ikechukwu Edumodior, told the court that the accused committed the offences sometime in January at Animashaun Street, Ijeshatedo, Surulere, Lagos.

“The duo fraudulently obtained N1 million from the Complainant, Mr Onyewuenyi Odinaka, on the pretext of securing a Canadian visa,” he said.

He submitted that the men, who deliberately conspired to swindle the complainant, failed to procure the visa as promised.

The offences contravened Sections 287 (a) (b), 314 (3) and 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015 .

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Oluyemisi Adelaja, granted each of the accused N300, 000 bail with two sureties each in like sum .

Adelaja adjourned the case until July 30, for substantive trial.