A 48-year-old travel agent, Akiah Edward, has been arraigned before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State over an alleged N6 million fraud involving a Canadian visa application.

Edward was brought before Magistrate O. O. Sam-Obaleye on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and conduct allegedly capable of causing a breach of peace.

The prosecution alleged that Edward collected the money from a man identified as Nasir Abiola after promising to assist him in securing a Canadian visa.

According to the prosecutor, Inspector Evelyn Motim, the alleged transaction took place in Abeokuta on June 21 at about 2:30 p.m.

The court heard that Edward initially requested N500,000 from Abiola as a commitment payment for the proposed travel arrangement.

The prosecution alleged that the defendant later received another N4.7 million and an additional N800,000 from the complainant, bringing the total amount paid to N6 million.

Edward allegedly told Abiola that he would need to provide a further N3 million after the visa process had been completed.

However, when the complainant subsequently sought information about the progress of his application, the defendant allegedly continued to provide explanations that the prosecution described as unjustifiable.

The charges were said to have been brought under Sections 390(9) and 419 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty

Edward pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him in court.

Following the plea, Magistrate Sam-Obaleye granted him bail in the sum of N9 million, with two sureties required to provide the same amount.

The court directed that the sureties must be registered bondsmen with the Ogun State Judiciary.

Pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions, the defendant was ordered to remain at the Ibara Correctional Centre.

The court adjourned the matter until October 14 for further hearing.

The allegations against Edward remain subject to determination by the court.