A man identified as Oni Samuel has been arraigned before a Magistrates court, sitting in Akure, Ondo State capital for allegedly defrauding a sex worker, Blessing Olaitan of a sum of N120,000.
Samuel was earlier arrested by the men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC for allegedly committing the offence last week.
During the proceeding, Olaitan told the court that she was a professional sex worker, saying the defendant allegedly collected a sum of N80,000 cash from her after having sex with her on a fateful night, explaining that the defendant promised to transfer the cash to her together with another N15,000 her ‘professional fee’.
Olaitan said she later discovered that what she got from the defendant was fake transfer.
The defendant was arraigned before the court on two-count bothering on conspiracy and stealing.
The charge sheet read, “That you, Oni Samuel “M”, and others at large on 1st 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 of One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira of Mrs. Blessing Olaitan thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 383 and 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. The defence counsel, Barrister E.O Nifemi urged the court to grant the defendant bail but the NSCDC prosecutor, Mr David Ebriku opposed the bail application, praying the court to remand the defendant. If the defendant was granted bail, he could jump bail which could be a risk to the society.
Ruling on the matter the 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.