MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 48-year old man, Adeniyi Akinlolu, has been arrested and charged in Lagos State for allegedly defrauding a couple to the tune of N6m under the false pretence of getting the wife a US Visa, which turned out to be a scam.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the suspect, Akinlolu was charged before the Yaba Chief Magistrate Court, Lagos, on a three-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence, conspiracy and stealing.
However, he pleaded not guilty.
The Prosecutor, Inspector Magaji Haruna, told the Court that the defendant committed the offences with some other persons still at large in March 2023, at Plot 1624 Idejo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Inspector Haruna said that the defendant collected the sum of N6 million from the complainant, Mr. Obi Donatus, that he would procure a U.S. study visa for his wife, which he failed to do.
He said that all efforts made by the complainant to get back his money from the defendant proved abortive neither did he procure the visa as he had promised.
The matter was reported to the Police, he was arrested and charged before the Court for the alleged offence.
Haruna said that the offences contravened Sections 287, 314 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 which Section 287 stipulates three years jail term for stealing, while Section 411 provides two years for conspiracy as such the defendant may likely spend several years in prison custody if he is tried and found guilty before Court.
The Presiding Chief Magistrate, Mrs. O. Y. Adefope, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and addresses verified by the Court.
The Court also ordered that the sureties should be gainfully employed with evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
The matter was adjourned till 5th April, 2024, for trial.