An Ibadan, Oyo State-based lawyer, Omoniyi Ebenezer, on Friday appeared an Ibadan Chief Magistrates’ Court charged with fraud and forgery.
Omoniyi, 49, who was arraigned for conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, stealing and forgery, allegedly conspired with one Rufai Ajadi, now at large, to commit the crime.
Prosecutor Aliu Samad alleged that the accused obtained N1.8 million from one Stevenson Olabamiji, under the pretext of buying four acres of land for him.
Samad 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 that the accused had also forged the sales receipt of the cooperative society and the signature of one Esho Kehinde.
The accused also allegedly obtained N3.4 million 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.
Samad said Omoniyi allegedly stole N300,000 collected as rents from tenants living in two flats situated at Phase II of Oluyole Extension, Adeosun Area, Ibadan.
He also said that Omoniyi allegedly converted the money to his own use without the knowledge of the owner, Olabamiji.
He said the offences were committed on October 25, 2012 and December 22, 2011.
Samad said the offences contravened Sections 390 ( 8b), 419, 467, 516 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Chief Magistrate, Olaide Amzat, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N2 million, with two sureties in like sum.
Amzat said one of the sureties must be a barrister or a civil servant of not less than Grade Level 12 or a landed property owner with Certificate of Occupancy.
He adjourned the case to December 12 for continuation.
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