Police Bust Syndicate For Defrauding Lady N12m

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

Police operatives from Ipaja Division, Lagos, led by the DPO, CSP Tokunbo Aboniwonda, have busted a criminal syndicate who specialised in defrauding innocent people under the false pretence of procuring visa in order for them to travel abroad for greener pasture.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the syndicate, led by the two suspects, Hammed Bolaji and John Ikibor, were arrested after they defrauded one Edeki Rukeme to the tune of N12m under the false pretence of procuring Canadian Visa for her to travel abroad for greener pasture.

The incident happened at Ipaja Road, Ayobo area of Lagos, where they had operated and defrauded many victims.

The Police alleged that one of the suspects, Hammed Bolaji, first obtained the sum of N8.5m from the victim under false pretence before he handed her over to the other suspect, John Okibor, who then defrauded her of N4.5m under the same guise.

However, the victim, having waited for the visa to no avail and sensing that the suspects had bolted away with her money, then reported the matter to the Police. The Police then trailed the suspects and eventually arrested Hammed and John while others were said to be at large.
They were detained at the Police Station for interrogation and they reportedly confessed that they had shared the money among themselves.

The Police found them culpable and they were charged before the Ejigbo Magistrates Court for conspiracy and stealing.

When they were arraigned, they pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Supol Kenneth Asibor, then asked the Court to give a date for hearing since they pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove that they actually committed the offence.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mr. T.O.Shomade, granted them bail in the sum of N8m with two sureties in like sum.
They were remanded in prison custody pending when they will perfect their bail conditions. The matter was adjourned till 23rd March, 2020.