Businessman docked for alleged N1.3m fraud

A 38 year-old businessman, Oluwasanmi Awolere, on Thursday appeared before an Okitipupa Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State, for alleged N1.3 million fraud.

The defendant, whose address was not given, was facing a three-count charge bordering on felony, breach of peace and advance fee fraud.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Ayodeji Omoyeigha, said the defendant, and others at large, conspired to commit felony on Aug. 13, 2023, around 3.00 p.m. at No. 26, Mapinmile Street, Okitipupa.

Omoyeigha said the defendant fraudulently obtained the sum of N1.3 million from one Bolaji Betiku under the pretext of supplying him drums of palm oil without doing so.

The prosecutor said the defendant, and others still at large, also conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace.

He added that the offences contravened, and were punishable under, Sections 516, 249 (d) and 419, Criminal Code, Cap.37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Philip Akinlosetu, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000 and a surety in like sum.

He added that the surety, who must reside within the court jurisdiction, must also show and present evidence of two years’ tax payment made to the state government.

Akinlosetu adjourned the case until April 3 for further hearing.