A 45-year-old man, Adeniran Gbadebo, on Tuesday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for alleged N8.5 million visa fraud.
Gbadebo, who resides in Idimu area of Lagos, is facing a three-count charge of fraud, conspiracy and stealing.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Prosecutor, Supol Josephine Ikayare, told the court that the defendant committed the offences with some others still at large in 2023 at No 3, Adekinbola St. Idimu.
Ikayare said the defendant collected the N8.5 million from the complainant, Mr Joseph Agege, to procure an American visa for him, but failed to do so.
She said the defendant used a crypto account number OX90A61BB86A569AE10LC87DA42BOD59CB94F3F88 to collect the money from the defendant.
Ikayare said the defendant converted the money to his personal use.
She said the offences contravened Sections 287(5),(a),(b),(c), 314 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 stipulates three years jail term for stealing, while Section 314 provides 15 years for obtaining under false pretences.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr L.A Owolabi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Owolabi held that the sureties must be gainfully employed and should show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
He adjourned the case until Feb. 3 for mention.
