Travelling agent docked over alleged N6m fraud

A 48-year-old man, Akiah Edward, was on Tuesday brought before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court for allegedly obtaining N6 million by false pretence.

Edward, whose address was not provided, is facing a two-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence and on conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Insp Evelyn Motim, had earlier told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offences on June 21 at about 2.30 p.m. in Abeokuta.

Motim alleged that Edward fraudulently obtained money from the complainant, Mr Nasir Abiola, with the intent to procure a Canadian visa for him.

The prosecutor said the defendant told Abiola to deposit N500,000 as a commitment to his travelling course.

According to Motim, the defendant subsequently collected N4.7 million and an additional sum of N800,000 from the complainant.

“With the total sum of N6 million collected, he told the complainant to balance up with N3 million to complete his visa application.

“However, when Abiola asked for an update on his visa application, Edward kept giving unjustifiable excuses,” the prosecutor said.

According to Motim, the offences contravened Sections 390 (9) and 419 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun, 2006.

Subsequently, the Magistrate, Mrs O. O. Sam-Obaleye, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N9 million with two sureties in like sum.

She ordered that the sureties must be registered bondsmen with the Ogun State Judiciary.

In addition, Sam-Obaleye ordered Edward’s remand at the Ibara Correctional Centre pending the perfection of his bail conditions.

Thereafter, she adjourned the case until Oct. 14 for hearing.