P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened on 12th March, 2024, at Scheme 1 Estate in Oko-Oba, Agege, Lagos.
According to the Police, the suspect collected the money in question under the false pretence of procuring Canadian visa in order for the victim to travel abroad for greener pastures.
However, after she paid the money, he bolted away and disconnected every communication he had with the victim and did not procure the visa as he promised.
The matter was reported at Abbatior Police Division. The Police operatives moved into action, eventually arrested and detained the suspect at the station for interrogation over his alleged conduct.
During interrogation, the suspect told the Police that he actually collected the money, had spent it and has no money to refund her as he did not procure any visa for her.
The Police found him culpable and consequently charged him before the Ogba Magistrate Court for the alleged offence.
The charges read:
COUNT 1: “That you, Abioye Oluwasegun “M” on the 12th March, 2024 at about 1300hrs at Scheme 1 Estate Oko-Oba, Agege, Lagos in the Ikeja magisterial district, did obtain the sum of (N9,026,000) Nine Million and Twenty Six Thousand Naira Only from one Jegede Kehinde “F” under false pretence to procure a Canadian Visa and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 314 of criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.”
COUNT II:” That you, Abioye Oluwasegun “M” on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned magisterial district, did steal the sum of (N9,026,000) Nine Million and Twenty Six Thousand Naira Only by conversion to your own use, property of one Jegede Kehinde “F” and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 286 of criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.”
However, he pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned.
The prosecutor, Inspector John Iberedem, 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, Mrs. Ex. Kubenije, granted him bail with two sureties, 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.