By Ayodele Popoola

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Two men, Olabode Aderemi and Ibitayo Owodeni, who allegedly defrauded a woman of the sum of N58 million under the pretence of spiritual protection, were on Thursday arraigned before an Akure High Court.

The duo, whose addresses were not provided, are facing a nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy, and fraud preferred against them by the police.

The defendants were alleged to have conspired with others at large in April  and May 2023, in Akure and Ondo, to commit a felony, to wit, obtaining money under false pretence from the victim.

The prosecuting counsel, D.E. Akintan said the defendants at different times and places fraudulently obtained the sum of N58,200,000 from one Justina Ifeanyi, under pretence that she would be protected against her enemies if she had sworn to an oath.

According to the charge sheet, the defendants, on April 27, in Ondo, obtained the sum of N4million cash, and also on April 3, in Akure, received N38,500,000 from the complainant through a bank transfer made from a UBA account, with the name Hassan Aminu.

” On April 30, 2023, a sum of N5,000,000 was transferred to the defendants from UBA mobile bank, while on April 31, in Ondo, the complainant sent N1,500,000 to the defendants through a POS, and on May 3 and 4, the defendants received the sum of N12,700,000 through MoneyPoint MFB agent with account number 81621166106, under the pretence of protecting her from her enemies.”

The offences, according to the charge, contravene Section 8 of the Criminal Code Law, 2006 and Sections1(1), (a) (c), 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Related offences Act, Cap A (6) LFN, 2006.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Akintan said he had three witnesses in the court and ready for the trial.

Reacting, counsels to the defendants, O.A. Akinbinu and F.W. Akintiose, told the court that they were not fully prepared for the commencement and continuation of the trial, saying they were just served the amended charge.

The counsel prayed for an adjournment to enable them study the new charge and the documents attached to it.

The defendants’ counsel informed the court of their clients’ bail application, praying the court to allow them remain on their previous bail.

The Judge, Justice Yemi Fasanmi, adjourned the case till July 1 and 3, 2024, for determination of bail and trial.