N10 million fraud: Ede cleric, one other remanded

Niyi Akande, Osogbo

Ajanasi of Edeland, Inaolaji Rafiu, 55, and one Lukman Oloye Lawal, 52, were on Friday remanded in Ilesha Correctional Centre for allegedly defrauding a businessman, Usman Hammed Alabi, of a sum of N10 million.

The two defendants were dragged before an Osun State Magistrates’ Court, sitting in Ede by Zone 11 Police Command Osogbo.

According to the details of the charges pressed against the defendants, Lukman Oloye Lawal, Inaolaji Rafiu and others at large were said to have committed the offence sometimes in the month of November, 2019 in Ede town, Osun State.

The two men and others yet to be apprehended allegedly fraudulently obtained and convert to their own use, the sun of Ten million naira(#10,000,000:00k), property of one Usman Hammed Alabi.

The defendants and others also allegedly with intention to defraud Usman Alabi, obtained a sum of N10 million from him and promised to supply him building materials, the promise they never fulfilled.

The offences were said to be contrary to Section 383 and punishable under Section 390(9) criminal Cord Cap 34 vol.ii, Laws of Osun State Nigeria 2002.

When their charges were read to them, the defendants pleaded not guilty.

Defence counsel, Mr. Taofeek Olayiwola, applied for bail on behalf of his clients.

In her ruling, the Presiding Magistrate, D. O Ajiboye, remanded the defendants in Ilesha Correctional Centre, asking their counsel to file formal bail application.

She adjourned the matter till 21st October, 2020 for ruling on the application.