Woman, 41, Remanded For Swindling Client With Forged N4.5m Airline Ticket

MICHAEL AKINOLA 

A 41-year old woman, Adenike Salami, has been arrested and charged in Lagos State for allegedly swindling another woman, Catherine Mbaku, as she made her to part with $2,500, equivalent of N4.5m to procure an airline ticket for the victim to travel abroad, which was false. 

 

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the suspect, Adenike, forged an airline ticket and it was later discovered to be fake as the complainant was unable to travel with the ticket.

 

The matter was reported to the Police and the suspect, Adenike, was arrested. She was consequently charged before the  Ebute-Metta Magistrate Court in Lagos State, on charges of forging an airline ticket and fraudulently obtaining $2,500 from the complainant.

 

She was arraigned before the Presiding Magistrate, Waliu Salami, on the three counts of conspiracy, fraud, and forgery, brought against her by the Police under the Criminal law of the State.

The prosecutor, Supol Chinalu Uwadione, told the Court that the defendant, Adenike, alongside others who are still at large, conspired to commit the alleged offences.

 

“The defendant, Adenike Salami, and her accomplices fraudulently conspired to forge an airline ticket, which they used to deceive and defraud the victim,” the prosecutor stated.

According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on June 27, 2024, around 7:20 PM at 26, Olomowewe Street, Mushin, Lagos.

The Court heard that Adenike Salami allegedly processed a fake Taag-Linhas Airline ticket without any authorisation, knowing the document was forged.
She then used the counterfeit ticket to deceive and obtain money from one Catherine Mbaku, who had intended to purchase an airline ticket to Bolivia.

“The defendant knowingly induced the complainant, Catherine Mbaku, to part with $2,500 by falsely promising to procure an airline ticket, which was forged,” the prosecutor added.

According to the charges, the offences committed by Salami were contrary to  Sections 406, 411, and punishable under Sections 370(1)(2), and 314(1)(a)(b)(2)(3) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.”

She pleaded not guilty.

The Presiding Magistrate granted her bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment while addresses will be verified by the Court.

The matter was adjourned till 20th September, 2024, for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the correctional center pending when she will perfect her bail conditions.