MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 31-year old man, Kolawale Oluwasegun, appeared to have demystified the leader of Odua Peoples Congress, OPC, Prince Oshibote, by swindling him about N.5m and bolting away in Lagos.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened at Ago Palace, Okota area of Lagos, where Prince Oshibote fell into the trap of Oluwasegun and others at large and was defrauded to the tune of N560,000.
Prince Oshibote was the second in command to the late President General of OPC, Dr. Fasehun and took over the leadership after his demise.
It was gathered that Oshibote gave Oluwasegun the said amount to buy materials to construct a bridge leading to Ejigbo area of Lagos to the sum of over N1m.
The suspect reportedly obtained the money, bolted away and since then had been at large before he was recently trailed and arrested by the Police from Ago Palace Division.
During interrogation, he admitted that he actually obtained the money but had spent it on personal problems.
He was found culpable and charged before the Isolo Magistrates Court for fraud and stealing.
He pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Mr. Oje Uagbale, then asked the Court to fix a date for hearing since the defendant pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove that he actually committed the alleged offence.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. A.O Teluwo, granted him bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The defendant was remanded in prison custody pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.
However, no person was willing to perfect his bail conditions including his family because they were said to be afraid of Oshibote and his members.
The matter was adjourned till 16th December, 2019 for trial.
Oluwasegun told P.M.EXPRESS correspondent that he was ready to refund the money in bits but Oshibote insisted that he must pay the money complete before he will withdraw the matter.