A 38-year-old man, Babalola Abideen, was on Monday brought before an Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State on charges related to an alleged ₦3 million fraud.
Abideen, whose residential address was not disclosed, is facing a three-count charge that includes conspiracy, theft, and obtaining property under false pretence.
According to the prosecution, led by ASP E.O. Adaraloye, the accused—alongside others who are currently at large—allegedly committed the offences on July 3 at around 1:25 p.m., at No. 10 Queen Avenue, Beye De Bells area of Ota.
Adaraloye informed the court that the defendant and his accomplices fraudulently acquired a tricycle, identified by registration number MUS 982 QF and valued at ₦3 million, through a hire purchase agreement. Under the terms, the defendant was expected to pay the owner, David Abiodun, a daily sum of ₦7,000, which he allegedly failed to honour.
The prosecutor stated that the actions of the defendant contravened Sections 319, 387, and 516 of the Ogun State Criminal Code Law, 2006.
Abideen pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him.
Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O.O. Fadairo, granted him bail in the sum of ₦300,000, with one surety in the same amount. The surety, the court ruled, must reside within the jurisdiction, be gainfully employed, and present valid evidence of tax payment to the Ogun State Government.
The case was adjourned to August 25 for further proceedings.