A 38-year-old travel agent Usman Wasiu, on Thursday appeared before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, over alleged N16 million fraud.
Wasiu, who resides at Amuloko area of Ibadan, is facing a two-count charge of fraud and stealing.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, ASP Sikiru Opaleye, told the court that the defendant committed the offences in 2022, at Amuloko area of Ibadan.
He alleged that the defendant collected the sum of N16 million from a complainant, one Mr Waheed Temitope, with a promise to help process a Canada working visa.
The prosecutor alleged that he failed to procure the visa as represented.
He said that that the defendant converted the money to his personal use, adding that all efforts to retrieve the money proved abortive.
The offences contravene the provisions of sections 383, and 390 (9) of the Criminal Law of Oyo State, 2000.
Defence Counsel, Mr Uche Charles, urged the court to grant the defendant bail in the most liberal terms.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanm consequently, granted the defendant bail in the sum of five million naira with two sureties in like sum.
The court ordered that one of the sureties should own a property within the court’s jurisdiction, while the second surety must be a blood relative .
She adjourned the case until Aug. 6, for mention.
