BY TIMOTHY AGBOR, OSOGBO
An 18-year-old herbalist, Fatunmbi Pelumi, has been arraigned before an Ile-Ife Magistrate Court for allegedly defrauding a man, Sunday Michael of N2.3 million.
The prosecutor, Inspector Sunday Osanyintuyi, told the court on Tuesday that the defendant committed the offence on June 5, 2021 around 09am at Iremo Road, Ile-Ife.
Osanyintuyi said that the teenager conspired with others now at large to commit felony to wit, obtaining money under false pretence and stealing.
He added that the defendant fraudulently converted to his personal use, a cash sum of N1,280,000, that Micheal, gave him when he visited the herbalist for spiritual assistance.
The prosecutor further submitted that the defendant obtained another sum of N130,000 from Micheal under the pretence of intensifying the prayer for him.
Osanyintuyi added that Ifatunmbi dubiously obtained another N700,000 from the complainant on the same pretence of conjuring spiritual assistance for him.
He added that Michael had given the teenager the sum of N250,000, which was his last payment, before he realised that he had been duped.
The prosecutor further stated that Ifatunmbi obtained a total sum of N2,360,000 from the middle-aged Micheal.
Osanyintuyi argued that the offence contravened Sections 383, 390, 419 and 516(A) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to a five-count charge of conspiracy and fraud.
The defence counsel, Oluwatosin Ademola, applied for the bail of the defendant in most liberal term and pledged that his client would not abuse bail if granted.
Magistrate A. A. Ayeni, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Ayeni added that the sureties must swear to affidavit of means, reside within the court’s jurisdiction and that their addresses should be verified by the prosecution.
The case was adjourned till August 17, for hearing.
