Man docked for allegedly printing fake currency in Ota

A 34-year-old man, Oladipupo Rasheed, was on Monday charged before an Ota Senior Magistrate’s Court for allegedly printing fake currency. Rasheed, who lives at No.15, Odeyemi St., Itele, Awori, in Ota, is being charged on a two-count charge of unlawful possession of fake currency and conspiracy.

The Police prosecutor, Sgt. Lydia Omatahunde, told the court that the accused and others now at large, committed the offence on April 16 at about 9.00 a.m. at Holyland St., Agbonmalu, Awori, Ota. She said that the accused and others now at large presented fake N1000 notes with identical serial numbers to purchase recharge cards from one Comfort Fajuyi.

The prosecutor said that the accused was handed over to the police after he could not explain how he got the fake currency. She said that the offence contravened Sections 475 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap.77, Revised Laws of Ogun State, 2006. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the offence.

The Magistrate, Mr Folarin Iroko, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N200,000.00 with two credible sureties in like sum. He said that the sureties should be working and residing within the magisterial district and swear to an affidavit of means. Folarin said that the sureties should also provide evidence of one year tax payment to the Ogun State Government, as part of the bail conditions. He also ordered that the addresses of the sureties should be verified by the police.

The case was adjourned to April 29 for hearing.