Oni Samuel, a middle aged man, has been docked in a Magistrates’ Court sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital, for defrauding a sex worker.
Mr Oni was accused of defrauding Blessing Olaitan, in the sum of N120,000, with a “fake alert.”
The defendant, who was apprehended by the operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), was arraigned in the court on Thursday.
David Ebiriku, the prosecutor, who read the charge sheets said Mr Samuel committed a two-count offence bothering on conspiracy and stealing.
The charge sheet read, “That you, Oni Samuel “M”, and others at large on 1 day of March 2023 at Alagbaka, Akure within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspired with yourselves to commit a criminal offence, to wit (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 stole a sum 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.”
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Appearing at the witness box in the court, Ms Olaitan told the magistrate that she is a professional sex hawker.
She narrated how she met with Mr Samuel a few days ago and how both agreed to “hook up” for a night, with a service fee of N15,000.
According to her, the defendant also allegedly collected the sum of N80,000 cash shortly after having a night’s rest with a promise to transfer both funds to her.
It was discovered a few hours later that Mr Samuel sent her a fake alert.
Speaking in the court, E.O Nifemi, the defence counsel, asked the court to grant his client a bail but the prosecutor, Mr Ebiriku opposed and prayed he should be remanded.
Mr Ebiriku said the defendant could jump bail if he is granted thereby serving a risk to society.
Ruling on the case, Magistrate Tope Aladejana granted the defendant bail with a sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.
He, however, adjourned the case till April 17, 2023, for further hearing.
