Man, 41, Arraigned Over Alleged N.2m Medical Bill Fraud & Theft In Ikeja

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE 

A 41-year-old man, Kunle Ayetoro, has been brought before an Ikeja Magistrate Court for allegedly obtaining N200,000 under the false pretence of paying for his mother’s hospital bills.

 

The legal process commenced following an investigation by the Ikeja Division of the Lagos State Police Command under Charge No. MIK/12026. Inspector Chidiebere Ikuewan served as the Investigation Police Officer (IPO) tracking the fraudulent transaction after a formal complaint was lodged by the victim. The case file was thoroughly reviewed and subsequently received approval from the District Prosecutor’s Office in Ogba, ensuring all formal legal procedures were satisfied.

 

According to the official charge sheet signed by CSP Akinwonmi, the incident took place on May 8, 2026. The location of the alleged crime was identified as Akanbi Estate, situated within the Ikeja Magisterial District of Lagos State. Investigators revealed that the transaction occurred within the estate premises, where the defendant allegedly approached the complainant with an urgent financial appeal.

 

The prosecution presented two distinct counts against the defendant, who was identified as 41-year-old Kunle Ayetoro. Court officials processed his data at the District Prosecutor’s Office before his appearance in front of the presiding magistrate. The administrative files indicate that the state Ministry of Justice’s Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) monitored the case development closely to maintain legal compliance.

 

In the first count of the charge sheet, the Police alleged that the defendant obtained N200,000 from one Mr. Collins Kola Gabriel. The prosecution stated that the money was collected under the specific pretence that it would be used to clear an urgent hospital bill for the defendant’s mother. The state contends that this claim was entirely fabricated to induce the financial transfer.

 

The Police further stated that the defendant knew the medical emergency claim was completely false at the time of receiving the money. By deliberately misleading the complainant to obtain a financial advantage, the defendant violated established regional laws against obtaining by false pretences. This specific fraudulent action is contrary to Section 313 and punishable under Section 314 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

 

The second count of the charge sheet detailed a separate offense of direct theft arising from the exact same transaction. The prosecution affirmed that by converting the N200,000 to his personal use under false pretences, the defendant effectively stole the funds.

 

The charge sheet explicitly identified the money as the direct personal property of the complainant, Mr. Collins Kola Gabriel.

 

The state legal department noted that the unauthorized acquisition of the money violated the principal statutory provisions safeguarding personal property in Lagos. The action is listed as a breach of Section 280, which defines the legal parameters of theft within the state. Consequently, the offense stands punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

 

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty.

 

The prosecutor, SP Philip Ademigbuji, then asked the Court to give a date for hearing to enable the Police to prove the allegations.

 

The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O. Kusanu, granted the defendant bail with two sureties, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.

 

The case 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.