A 30-year-old man, Oyeniyi Oyebisi, was on Friday, arraigned before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, for allegedly impersonating an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officer.
Oyebisi, of New Garage area, Ibadan, was charged with five counts bordering on conspiracy, fraud, defamation, stealing and threat, to which he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, ASP Foluke Adedosu, told the court that the defendant conspired with others, who are still at large, to commit crime.
Adedosu alleged that Oyebisi falsely represented himself as an EFCC officer attached to its Lagos office, with intent to defraud one Olaide Olanrewaju of N500,000.
She further alleged that the defendant, with intent to extort the complainant, published defamatory material against him on social media.
According to her, Oyebisi alleged that the complainant was a fraudster, who forged a statement of account.
The prosecutor also alleged that the defendant stole N500,000 from the complainant and sent written threats via text message to kidnap and kill him.
She said the offences contravened Sections 383 and 373 and were punishable under Sections 376, 390(9), 484 and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The Magistrate, Mrs A.T. Oyediji, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum.
Oyediji ordered that one of the sureties must own landed property within the court’s jurisdiction and provide proof of ownership.
She further ordered that the second surety must be a blood relation of the defendant.
The magistrate adjourned the case until Oct. 22 for hearing.