The operatives of Force Criminal Investigation Department ForceCID Annex Alagbon-Ikoyi Lagos, has arraigned a Ghanaian, Yaw Agyei, for allegedly obtaining the sum of N7, 462 million under false pretence of procuring visa.
The Ghanaian was arraigned before a Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court presided over by Magistrate E. Kubeinje, on charges bordering on obtaining by false pretence and dishonesty collected the sum of N7, 462 million.
The defendant’s arraignment was sequel to his arrest by X-Squad of FCID, Annex, Alagbon Ikoyi Lagos, led by Commissioner of Police Bose Akinyemi.
Arraigning the defendant on Tuesday, the prosecutor, Barrister Morufu Animashaun, a legal officer in Prosecutor/Legal department, FCID, informed the defendant committed the offences on August 20, 2014, at 2024 at Oaks Hotel, No. 5, Ogunyade Street, Gbagada, Lagos.
Barrister Animashaun informed the court that the defendant fraudulently obtained the money from one from Christopher Asiogwu, under false pretence of him procuring an American Visa.
He further told the court that immediately the defendant received the money, he disappeared he became evasive.
He told the court that the offences committed by the defendant, contravened sections 314 and 280 (1)(a) of the Criminal Law, Cap C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015. And punishable under section 287 The Ghanaian however denied the allegations.
Following the defendant’s not guilty plea, the prosecutor asked the court for a trial, while also urged the court to remand him in the facility of the
Nigerian Correctional Services NCoS, pending the determination of the charges against him.
But lawyer to the defendant moved his bail application orally, which was vehemently opposed by the prosecutor on the ground that is a Ghanaian, hence is a ‘flight risk’.
However, Magistrate Kubeinje in her ruling, admitted bail to the defendant in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum.
The Magistrate ordered that each of the sureties must provide evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos State government, and that they must be residing within the state, with evidence of means of livelihood.
The Magistrate further ordered the prosecutor to verify all the bail terms.
The Magistrate ordered that the defendant be remanded pending the fulfillment of the bail terms. While adjourned the matter to July 23, 2025, for mention.
Charge against the Ghanaian reads: “That you Yaw Agyei ‘M’ on 30th of August 2024 at Oaks Hotel, No. 5, Ogunyade Street, Gbagada, Lagos State in the Lagos Magisterial District, did by false pretence and with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N7, 462, 000.00 (Seven Million, Four Hundred and Sixty-Two Thousand Naira) from Christopher Asiogwu for procuring an American Visa, a representation you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 314 of the Criminal Law, Cap C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
“That you Yaw Agyei ‘M’ on 30th of August 2024 at Oaks Hotel, No. 5, Ogunyade Street, Gbagada, Lagos State in the Lagos Magisterial District, dishonestly collected the sum of N7, 462, 000.00 (Seven Million, Four Hundred and Sixty-Two Thousand Naira) Property of Christopher Asiogwu and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 280 (1) (a) and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law, Ch. C17 Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.”
