A 48-year-old travel agent, Akiah Edward, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court sitting in Isabo for allegedly obtaining N6 million under false pretence.
Edward, whose residential address was not disclosed, was charged with two counts bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
The prosecutor, Evelyn Motim, told the court that the alleged offences occurred on June 21 at about 2:30 p.m. in Abeokuta.
Motim alleged that Edward was introduced to the complainant, Mr Nasir Abiola, as a travel agent and promised to assist him in obtaining a Canadian visa.
According to the prosecutor, the defendant collected N4.7 million from the complainant and later received an additional N800,000, bringing the total amount paid to N6 million. She added that the parties had agreed that the remaining N3 million would be paid after the visa process was completed.
Motim told the court that after making the payment, the complainant repeatedly requested updates on the visa application, but Edward allegedly continued to give excuses without providing evidence of progress.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 390(9) and 419 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.
Edward pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Magistrate, Mrs O.O. Sam-Obaleye, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N9 million with two sureties in like sum. She directed that the sureties must be registered bondsmen with the Ogun State Judiciary.
The court, however, ordered that Edward be remanded at the Ibara Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions.
The case was adjourned until October 14 for hearing.