A 63-year-old man, Aderinoye Odebunmi, who allegedly defrauded a pastor of N1.4 million, was on Wednesday brought before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
Odebunmi, whose residential address was not given, is standing trial on a three-count charge of fraud, stealing and threatening violence.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Friday Mameh, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offences sometime in 2006 at Aboru area of Lagos.
He said that the defendant fraudulently obtained the sum from the complainant, Pastor Emmanuel Ayinde.
“When the pastor found the defendant and asked for his money, the defendant threatened him violently,” Mameh said.
He said the offences contravened Sections 56, 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The defendant, however, denied committing theoffences.
Section 56 provides one year imprisonment for the offence of threatening violence, while Section 287 recommends three years imprisonment for stealing and Section 314 provides for 15 years imprisonment for fraud.
The Magistrate, Mr B. I. Bakare, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
He ordered that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
He adjourned the case until Jan. 13 for mention. (NAN)
