Blessing Akingbade, a 25-year-old student, was arraigned before an Okitipupa Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State on Friday for allegedly duping a woman of N750,000 over an accommodation deal.
The defendant, who has no fixed address, is charged with two counts of advance fee fraud and stealing.
The police prosecutor, ASP Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on Aug. 5, 2023, at 11:00 am, at Oke Iloro in Okitipupa, Okitipupa magisterial district.
He said the defendant deceitfully obtained N750,000 from one Mrs Odunayo Akinbolade, claiming to help her secure an apartment for her daughter, who is also a student, in Okitipupa.
He said the defendant knew that her claim was false and later used the money for her own benefit.
He said the offences were violated and were punishable under sections 419 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
The defendant denied the charges against her.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Cletus Ojuola, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000 and a surety in like sum.
He said the surety must live within the court’s jurisdiction and must provide proof of two years' tax payment to the state government.
He adjourned the case until Jan.18, for further hearing.