Man, 39, docked over alleged impersonation, N41.8m fraud

A man, Olayinka Salahudeen, 39, who allegedly posed as a policeman to defraud a resident of the United Kingdom of N41,833,000, on Monday, appeared  before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan.

The defendant, whose address was not provided, pleaded not guilty to the three  counts of conspiracy , impersonation and fraud .

The prosecutor, ASP Olufemi Olanibi alleged that the defendant and others at large allegedly conspired together to commit the offence of fraud.

Olanibi alleged that the defendant sometime in 2025, with intent to defraud, falsely represented himself to be a member of Nigeria Police Force .

He alleged that the defendant committed the offence wearing a police uniform with the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) serving at Iyaganku Police Station , knowing same to be false.

Olanibi also alleged that the defendant with intent to defraud obtained N41,833,000 from Foluso Ajuwon and Wemimo Ajuwon, residents of United Kingdom, who were  represented in court by one Folasade Adegun.

He alleged that the defendant on the pretext of procuring landed properties and helping the complaints invest in rice business obtained the amount through his First Bank Account Number : 3127423612.

Olanibi alleged that the defendant obtained the total amount from the complainants’ Access bank Account No. 1939533837; and Kuda Account Number: 2049167025.

Also from Opay Account Number: 7034336378 and Polaris Account Number: 3030964088, respectively.

He said that the offences contravened Section 109 (a), 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.

The Defence Counsel, Mr Ola Ajayi, prayed the court  to grant his client bail on liberal terms.

The Magistrate, Mr M. Mudashiru, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum .

Mudashiru ordered that one of the sureties must own a building property with Certificate of Occupancy, survey and approved building plan, within the court’s jurisdiction.

He said the second surety must produce international passport as means of identification.

Mudashiru, thereafter, adjourned the matter until Oct. 15, for hearing.