Lagos-based man arraigned for N3.5M fraud in Ondo

By Boye Oyeyemi

A Lagos-based man, Oluwatoyin Adeyemi, has been arraigned before an Ondo State Magistrate’s Court for allegedly defrauding a woman of N3.5 million under the pretext of securing a travel visa.

Adeyemi was docked on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and conspiracy.

According to the prosecutor, T.O. Gbadebo, the defendant allegedly collected N3.5 million from Mrs Omogba Joy in May 2024 with a promise to procure a visa for Mrs Omogba Temitope, a representation he allegedly knew to be false.

According to the prosecutor, the alleged offences contravene Sections 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty after hearing the charges.

In his defense, G.O. Bernard, prayed the court to grant Adeyemi bail on liberal terms, arguing that the alleged court order authorising the arrest was not included in the proof of evidence served on the defence.

The prosecutor, however, maintained that the defendant had evaded arrest since the alleged offence was committed in 2024 and was only apprehended in 2026 through the court’s intervention.

In his ruling, Magistrate Damilola Sekoni granted the defendant bail in the sum of N2 million with two sureties in like sum. The court also ordered him to execute a N3 million bond payable to the Ondo State Court Registry and adjourned the case until September 11, 2026, for further hearing.