Police Arrest Suspected Fraudster 4 years After Trail

By Rafiu Agboola

A 30 year-old man, Olawale Oladiran, has been dragged before an Osogbo Magistrate Court for allegedly defrauding one Alhaji Muhammad Jamiu to the tune of N500,000

Police Prosecutor, ASP Mireti Wilson told the court that the accused person committed the alleged offense on December 12, 2011, at about 12:30 pm at Aganga area, Ota-Efun, Osogbo, capital of Osun State.

Wilson further explained that the accused person allegedly fled the town immediately he committed the offence in year 2011, before he was later arrested by the frantic effort of Osun State Police Command.

Accused person according to the police obtained a sum of N500, 000 from Alhaji Jamiu under the presence to sell one acres of land for him at Aganga area of Osogbo, but converted the money to his own personal usage.

Police prosecutor however alleged the accused of stealing sum of N500,000 belonging to Alhaji Jamiu.

He said the alleged offences were contrary to and punishable under Section 419 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol.11 Laws of Osun State, 2003.

However, accused person pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of obtaining fund under false present and stealing slammed against him.

Defence Counsel, Barrister Taofeeq Ibikunle applied for the bail of the accused person in the most liberal term.

Ibikunle who said the accused was still presume innocent until contrary is proved by court of law said his client would not jump bail if granted.

The Prosecutor objected the bail application on the ground that accused had been on the run since 2011 before he was later arrested.

Wilson said the address of the accused is not traceable and he can jump bail.

Presiding Magistrate, Olusola Aluko, granted the accused person bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in the like sum who must swear to affidavit of means.

Aluko said that one of the surety must be a biological brother of the accused while the other surety must be a civil servant of grade level 08. And they must provide current Tax clearance certificate, with clear passport.

Aluko however ordered the addressed of the sureties be verified by the police in charge of the case.

He, thereafter, adjourned the case till March 8, 2016 for hearing.