by Oge Okonkwo

A 42-year-old suspected fraudster, Gbolahan Bolarinde, has been arrested and brought before an Ibadan Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting at Iyaganku  for allegedly defrauding a kerosene dealer, Jumoke Babalola ,of  N1 million.

The prosecutor, Aliu Samad, alleged that the crime was committed in Olosan-Alakia area of  Ibadan on May 15 and the defendant, Mr. Gbolahan was arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence and stealing.

Vanguard reports:

Inspector Samad said the defendant, with one other person now at large, fraudulently acquired the  sum from Madam Jumoke Babalola with the agreement to supply  her 10,000 litres of kerosene.

The defendant subsequently vanished until  he was apprehended.

The prosecutor said  the offences contravened sections 516, 419 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Vol. II Laws of Oyo State of  Nigeria,  2000.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Chief  Magistrate Olaide Amzat granted bail to the defendant in the sum of  N2 million  with two reliable sureties.

He said one of the sureties must be a Grade Level 14 civil servant, adding that the second must have  landed property.

Amzat  also ordered that the defendant’s international passport t be seized.

The case was adjourned  to Aug. 27  for further hearing.