Lawyer docked over N5.5m fraud

Omoniyi Ebenezer, a 49-year old Ibadan-based has been arraigned before an Ibadan Magistrate Court over allegations of fraud and forgery. According to PUNCH Newspapers, Ebenezer obtained money under false pretense conspired with another accused who is currently at large.

The lead prosecutor, Aliu Samad said the accused obtained N1.8m from one Stevenson Olabamiji, under the pretext of buying four acres of land for him.He said Omoniyi told Olabamiji that the land was situated at Elenu Sonso Area, and he was buying it from a cooperative society of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan.

Samad said the accused had also forged the sales receipt of the cooperative society and the signature of one Esho Kehinde.The accused also allegedly obtained N3.4m from one Monsuru Lawal, from his accounts at Ecobank Plc., and Diamond Bank Plc., both at Lebanon branch, Ibadan.The accused collected the money under the pretext of selling four acres of land to Lawal at Abese Area, New Garage, Ibadan.

Omoniyi allegedly stole N300,000 collected as rents from tenants living in two flats situated at phase II of Oluyole Extension, Adeosun Area, Ibadan. The prosecutor also alleged that Omoniyi converted the money to his own use without the knowledge of the owner, Olabamiji.

He said the offenses were committed on Oct. 25, 2012 and Dec. 22, 2011, and they contravened Sections 390 ( 8b), 419, 467, 516 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code. 

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges while the Chief Magistrate, Mr. Olaide Amzat, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N2 million with two sureties in like sum.