MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 31-year old lady, Rofiat Agbaje, has been arrested for allegedly swindling a High Court Judge, Justice Adegoke Lateef, to the tune of N1.3m under false pretence in Osun State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened at Oke-Sapo Halleluyah area, Osogbo town, Osun State.
The Police have charged the suspect, Rofiat, before the Osogbo Chief Magistrate’s Court for the alleged fraud and stealing having found her culpable after interrogation.
Rofiat allegedly obtained the said money under the false pretence of supplying some building materials, which she failed to do instead she bolted away with the money.
The prosecutor, Supol Fagboyinbo Abiodun, told the Court that the alleged offence was committed on 20th December, 2022, at about 4:00pm at Oke-Sapo Halleluyah area in Osogbo.
The charge read, “That you Agbaje Rofiat and others, now at large, on December 20, 2022, at about 4:10pm, at Oke-Sapo Halleluyah area, Osogbo, in the Osogbo Magisterial District, did fraudulently obtain the sum of N1,300,000 (One Million Three Hundred Thousand Naira) from one Justice Adegoke Lateef, with intent of supplying him building materials, knowing fully to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 419 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol II, Laws of Osun, 2002″.
“That you and others, now at large, on the same date, time and place, did steal the sum of N1,300,000, property of one Hon. Justice Adegoke and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol II, Laws of Osun, 2002.”
She pleaded not guilty when she was arraigned.
The defence counsel, Najite Okobe, prayed the Court to grant the defendant bail because the alleged offence was bailable while the prosecutor objected the bail application, asking the Court to consider the amount involved and that the defendant may likely jump bail if granted.
The Presiding Magistrate, Olusegun Ayilara, ordered that Rofiat be remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter till 20th March, 2023, for mention when the issue of bail will be considered.