22-year-old suspected internet fraudster docked over alleged forgery, stealing

A 22-year-old man, Adesola Bakare, on Friday, appeared before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, over alleged internet forgery and stealing.

Our correspondent reports that Bakare is facing a two-count charge, bordering on forgery and stealing.

The Prosecutor, Insp Opeyemi Olagunju, told the court that the defendant, between May 3, 2020 and Nov. 23, 2020 at Olodo area of Ibadan, forged, stole and converted the sum of N684,000 to his own use.

He said that the money belonged to one Olanrewaju Ayeni, residing in the United States of America (USA).

Olagunju said that the defendant disguised as a female on Facebook, with the name: Basirat Oluwakemi Olasehinde, and fraudulently collected money on different occasions, totaling N684,000, from Ayeni under the guise of dating him.

The further stated that the defendant was caught when he went to collect an iPhone sent to him by Ayeni under the pretence of being a female and handed over to the police.

According to him, offences were contrary to Section 383 and punishable under Section 390(9) of Oyo State Criminal Code, 2000.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Defence Counsel, Mr Lanre Ajayi, pleaded for bail for his client on a liberal term.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Olaide Hamzat, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum.

Hamzat, who said that one of the two sureties must be a parent, thereafter, adjourned the matter till March 24, for hearing.