By Sade Adewale, Ondo

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A 62-year-old cleric, Kayode Oyeniyi, has been sentenced to four years imprisonment by an Ondo Magistrates’ Court for fraudulently obtaining the sum of N1,200,000, from one Oyewole Adetomide, under the pretence of selling farmland to him.

Oyeniyi was convicted by Chief Magistrate, Charity Adeyanju, on a charge of fraud brought against him by the police.

The convict committed the offence sometime in July 2021 at No 48, Arelepo Bamikemo street, Ondo.

The prosecutor, inspector Benard Olagbayi, informed the court that the convict collected the money from the complainant through an account No 3166294122 with First Bank, maintained by one Kayode Oyeniyi, under the pretence to sell farmland to him which he reneged.

He added that the convict ran away since the incident and was later arrested in Kwara State and brought to Ondo State, where he committed the offence.

According to the prosecution, the offence contravenes Section 419 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol.1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

The charge read in part,” That you, Kayode Oyeniyi, sometimes in July 2021 at No 48, Arelepo Bamikemo street Ondo, in the Ondo Magisterial District did fraudulently obtain the sum of N1,200,000, through an account number 3166294122 with  First Bank maintained by Oyeniyi Kayode from one Oyewole Adetomide, under the pretence to sell farmland to him knowing fully well to be false.

The prosecution said that he committed an offence contrary to and punishment under Section 419 of the criminal code cap. 37 vol.1 laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.

The convict, who entered a guilty plea, was not legally represented in court.

He pleaded for mercy and promised not to do such  again.

“I am old and my children are still small. Please  forgive me. I will not do it again. I spent the money to pay my children’s school fees and the remaining on my farmland. When it is harvest period, I will sell the farm produce and pay up the money,” he pleaded with the court.

Chief Magistrate  Adeyanju, held, “I have considered the plea of the convict and as a first offender, he is therefore sentenced to four years imprisonment or he should pay the sum of N1,200,000 to compensate the complainant.