NAN-H-17
Visas
Visas
By Tomisin Erogbogbo
Lagos, Sept.14, 2017 (NAN) A 45-years-old man, Olubunmi Olaleye, who is accused of N1.5 million visa fraud, on Thursday appeared before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
The accused, who resides in Igboyi in Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos, is being tried for a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretences.
Olaleye pleaded not guilty to the charge.
But the Prosecutor, Insp. Ben Ekundayo insisted that the accused committed the offences on May 11 at 5.00p.m. at his residence.
He said the accused obtained N1.5 million from two of his neighbours on the pretext of helping them get visas.
The accused collected N600,000 and N900,000 from his neighbours — Mr Monday Onuah and Mr Timothy Oyewale
respectively, he told the court.
“The accused, whose younger brother had earlier this year travelled out of the country, told his neighbours that he was the one who helped the brother to procure visa.
“Olaleye collected N600,000 from Onuah to help him obtain visa and ticket to Oman in the Middle East, while he also collected N900,000 from Oyewale to obtain visa and ticket for him to travel to Dominican Republic, a Spanish speaking area in the Carribean sea.
“The accused bolted with their money and was later traced to a friend’s house, where he was caught,” Ekundayo said.
The offences contravened Sections 314 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).
The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that Section 314 stipulates 15 years imprisonment, while Section 411 provides two years for offenders.
The Magistrate, Mr Ade Adefulire, in his ruling, admitted the accused to a bail of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
He said the sureties must either be a civil servant of not less than Grade Level 14 or a senior employee of a reputable organisation in Lagos.
The case was adjourned until Oct. 17 for mention. (NAN)
TME/DA
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(Editing by Dele Akinsola)