A 38-year old man, Odeyemi Olaoluwa Samuel, has been arrested and charged in Lagos State for allegedly swindling two victims, Olaoye Modupe Caroline “F” and Samuel Majekodunmi “M” over visa procurement.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the suspect, Samuel allegedly obtained the money in question under the pretence of procuring Albanian travelling visa.
According to the Police, he obtained the money, bolted away, did not procure any visa as he had promised and did not refund the money to the victims.
The alleged fraud was reported to the Police at Commissioner of Police Tactical Squad, Morogbo area of Lagos. The operatives moved into action, eventually arrested and detained the suspect for interrogation over his alleged conduct.
While being interrogated, he admitted to have collected the money and had spent it as he was unable to procure any visa for the victims and had no money to refund them.
The Police found him culpable and charged him before the Ogba Magistrate Court for conspiracy and obtaining under false pretence under the Criminal Laws of the State.
The charges read:
COUNT I: That you, Odeyemi Olaoluwa Samuel “M” and others at large on the 16th April 2024 in the day time at No 14 Odunuga Street, Opebi Ikeja, in the Lagos magisterial district, did conspired among yourselves to commit felony to wit obtaining money by false pretence and forgery and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 411 of the criminal laws of Lagos State 2015.”
COUNT II: That you, Odeyemi olaoluwa Samuel “M” and others at large between 16th April, 2024 and 29th June, 2024 at the same place at the aforementioned magisterial district, did fraudulently obtain the total sum of (9,367,000.00) Nine Million Three Hundred and sixty seven thousand Naira only from one Olaoye Modupe Caroline “F” and Samuel Majekodunmi “M” under the pretence of procuring Albanian travelling visa knowing same to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 314 and punishable under Section 314 (3) of criminal laws of Lagos State 2015.”
He pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Supol Akeem Raji, then asked the Court to give a date for hearing since he pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove that he actually committed the alleged offence.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mr L.A. Owolabi, granted him bail in the sum of N1m with two sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment while addresses will be verified by the Court.
The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the correctional center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.