By Oluwadamilola Akinduro

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A 42-year-old visa agent, Bankole Fadola, has been arraigned before an Akure Magistrates’ Court over an alleged N3 million fraud.

The defendant, who appeared before Magistrate O.T. Lebi, is facing charges bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and conspiracy to defraud.

The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Augustine Omhenimhen, told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offence sometime in February 2023 in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

According to the prosecution, the defendant unlawfully and fraudulently obtained the sum of N3,000,000 from one Martha Similoluwa Adebowale, under the pretence of helping her to procure a travel visa and other relevant documents, a promise he allegedly failed to fulfil.

The offences, the prosecutor said, are contrary to and punishable under Sections 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37 Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Inspector Omhenimhen informed the court that two witnesses would be presented to testify in the matter and prayed for an adjournment to enable the prosecution review the case file and bring the witnesses to court.

Counsel to the defendant, Joseph Arinju, did not oppose the application for adjournment.

He, however, applied for the bail of his client on liberal terms, assuring the court that credible sureties would be provided.

Magistrate Lebi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with one surety in like sum.

The case was adjourned till May 29, 2025, for further hearing.