Man, 29, in court for allegedly defrauding emigrant of N5.7m

39-year-old man Otono Ezekiel was on Tuesday docked in an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding an emigrant of N5.7 million on the pretence of procuring a Canada visa for him.

The defendant is standing trial on a two-count charge bordering on fraud and stealing.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Akeem Akinloye, told the court that the defendant in January 2023, allegedly obtained N5.7 million from one Akinola Olaoluwa, the complainant under the pretence of procuring Canada Visa for him.

Akinloye said that the offence was committed at the Liberty Stadium area of Ibadan.

He alleged that the defendant fraudulently stole the money from the complainant.

He said that the offences contravened Section 383 and were punishable under Section 390 (9) and 419 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N1.5 million with two sureties in like sum.

She said that one of the sureties must be a blood relation to the defendant.

Ogunkanmi further adjourned the matter until April 15, for hearing.