By Akintunde Jacobs, Akure
An Ondo State Magistrate Court, sitting in Akure, has ordered for the remand of a man, Oni Samuel at the correctional centre for allegedly defrauding a sex worker, Blessing Olaitan a sum of N120,000 naira.
The suspect, who was arrested by the men of the state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), however, arraigned before the court on two count charge bothering on conspiracy and stealing.
Olaitan who told the court that she was a professional sex worker, said the defendant allegedly collected a sum of N80,000 cash from her after having sex with her on a particular night, explaining that the defendant promised to transfer the cash to her together with another N15,000 her ‘professional fee.’
She said she later discovered that the defendant used fake transfer for her.
The charge sheet read, “That you, Oni Samuel ‘M,’ and others at large on 1 day of March 2023 at Alagbaka, Akure within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire with yourselves to commit a criminal offence, to with (sic) stole a sum One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira of Mrs. Blessing Olaitan thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 37, Vol 1 Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
“That you, Oni Samuel on 1st day of March 2023 at Alagbaka, Akure within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did steal a sum One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira of Mrs. Blessing Olaitan and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 383 punishable under Section 390 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 37, Vol 1 Laws of Ondo State, 2006.”
Samuel, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
While the counsel to the suspect, E.O Nifemi urged the court to grant the defendant bail.
But the NSCDC prosecutor, David Ebriku opposed the bail application and prayed the court to remand the defendant.
According to him, if the defendant was granted bail, he could jump bail which could be a risk to the society.
But the presiding Magistrate Tope Aladejana granted the defendant bail with a sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till April 17, 2023 for hearing.