Owolabi Falilat, a middle-aged woman, was charged on Tuesday in an Ikeja Magistrates' Court with receiving N850,000 through deception in the form of a monthly contribution.
Falilat is accused of three counts that touch on fraud and acquiring under false pretence. Her residence and age were not disclosed.
But she entered a not-guilty plea to the accusations.
Insp. Matthew Amos, who was prosecuted in place of Insp. Ajayi Emmanuel informed the court that Falilat was finally taken into custody on January 13 after numerous failed police attempts.
According to Amos, the defendant amassed N850,000 from Samuel Florence, Aluko Falilat, and Aminat Ogunmokun between July 2021 and April 2022 under the guise of a monthly donation.
He also testified before the court that Falilat threatened to deal with the contributors via social media, WhatsApp voice messages and voice notes, and phone calls between July and December 2022.
According to the prosecutor, Section 412 and other provisions of the Lagos 2015 Criminal Law, as well as sections 314 and 56, were violated.
Akintan Olukayode, the defence attorney, informed the court that his client and the co-contributors had already begun considering an out-of-court settlement.
Olukayode said: “My client and the contributors are friends and never intended to bring the matter before the court.
“The complainants have agreed with the defendant on when and how the defendant will pay the money out of court.’’
The presiding Magistrate, Mrs I. O Raji, who appeared displeased with the parties’ demeanour, asked if the complainants used the court as a threatening tool.
Raji warned that the court was a place for serious business; and asked the defence counsel to apply for bail.
She, therefore, admitted the defendant to N150,000 bail and two sureties, of which, one must be a relative.
She then adjourned the case until Jan. 21, for further mention. (NAN)