The police on Monday arraigned a 36-year-old visa agent, Lawal Idris, before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, for allegedly defrauding an intending emigrant of N7.6 million.
Idris was arraigned on a two-count charge of fraud and stealing. He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, ASP Sikiru Ibrahim, told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offences between November and December 2025 at No. 48, Taiwo House, Sango area of Ibadan.
Ibrahim alleged that Idris fraudulently obtained the sum of N7,660,000 from one Atinuke Adeoso under the pretext of helping her procure either Canadian or Spanish work visas.
According to the prosecutor, the defendant knew that the visa offer was false but allegedly converted the money to his personal use.
He said the alleged offences contravened Section 383 and are punishable under Sections 390(9) and 419 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The magistrate, M. Mudashiru, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N1 million, with two sureties in like sum.
Mudashiru ordered that one of the sureties must be a close relative of the defendant and must present either a voter’s card or driver’s licence.
The matter was adjourned until August 10 for hearing.
(NAN)