ISLAMIC CLERIC IN COURT FOR STEALING AND DEFRAUDING WOMAN OF N520,000

An Islamic cleric, Abubakar Olawale, who allegedly defrauded a woman of N520,000 on the pretext of conducting a “special prayer’’ on her behalf, was on Monday arraigned in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court. Olawale, 35, a resident of No. 9, Taiwo Toyin St., Abule-Egba, Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of fraud and stealing.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Kehinde Olatunde, told the court that the accused committed the offences on Nov. 22, 2014 at Ladipo in Oshodi, Lagos.He said that the accused obtained N520,000 from one Mrs Bilikisu Akintoye, on the pretext of buying items for the “special prayer.’’

“The accused duped the complainant of N520,000 on the pretext of helping her to make sacrifice.’’ Olatunde said that the accused accosted the complainant on her way from work and told her that he had a prophecy concerning her. “The accused stopped the complainant on her way and delivered the prophecy to her about her family and her business.

“He told her that God told him to tell her that she should made sacrifice so that all the evil things that is about to befall her family and business will be averted. “The accused demanded N520,000 to buy rams, birds and other items so that he can assist her to do the sacrifice.”

The prosecutor alleged that after collecting the money, the accused did not call the complainant again. He said that the accused was later arrested after 10 month. Olatunde said that the offences contravened Sections 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. Section 312 prescribes a 15- year jail term as penalty for fraud.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against him. The Magistrate, Mr A.O. Aka-Bashorun granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 and one surety in like sum and adjourned the case till Oct. 14 for mention.

Advertise here