An Islamic Cleric, Musa Akewusola, has been arrested and charged in Oyo State for allegedly swindling a man, Muyiwa Bolarinwa, to the tune of N21m under the false pretence of deliverance prayer, which turned out to be false.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened in Ibadan town, where the suspect accosted the complainant and obtained the money.
The 30-year old suspect, who allegedly defrauded the prayer seeking complainant of the said amount, has been arraigned before the Iyaganku Chief Magistrate Court, Ibadan, for the alleged offence.
He pleaded not guilty to the three counts of fraud, conspiracy and conversion.
The Prosecutor, Inspector Sikiru Opaleye, told the court that the defendant with others at large allegedly conspired together to commit the fraud at Iyana Offa area of Ibadan, under the pretense of providing him spiritual assistance, knowing same to be false.
The prosecutor, Opaleye, also alleged that the defendant unlawfully converted the money to his own personal use, property of Bolarinwa and offenses committed contravened Sections 383, 390 (9), 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.
The Defence counsel, Mr. Babatunde Ajijola, asked the Court to grant his client bail on liberal terms because it is a bailable offence.
The Presiding Chief Magistrate, Olabisi Ogunkanmi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5million with two sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood.
The Court also directed that one of the sureties must be a landed property owner within the court’s jurisdiction and who possess an approved building plan.
The matter was adjourned till 10th December, 2025, for hearing while the defendant was remanded in custody at the correctional center pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.