Travel agent docked over alleged N6m visa fraud in Abeokuta

A 48-year-old travel agent, Akiah Edward, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court in Isabo for allegedly obtaining N6 million under false pretence.

Edward, whose address was not provided, is facing a two-count charge of obtaining by false pretence and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

The prosecutor, Evelyn Motim, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on June 21 at about 2:30 pm in Abeokuta.

Motim alleged that Edward, who was introduced to the complainant, Mr Nasir Abiola, as a travel agent, promised to procure a Canadian visa for him.

She said the defendant asked Abiola to deposit N500,000 as a sign of commitment to the travel arrangement.

The prosecutor said Edward subsequently collected N4.7 million and an additional N800,000, bringing the total amount collected to N6 million, with a balance of N3 million agreed to be paid upon completion of the visa process.

“After the complainant paid a total of N6 million for the visa application, he asked for progress on his visa application, to which Edward kept giving excuses that were not justified,” Motim said.

According to her, the offences contravened Sections 390(9) and 419 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.

Edward pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Magistrate, Mrs O.O Sam-Obaleye, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N9 million with two sureties in like sum.

She ordered that the sureties be registered bondsmen with the Ogun State Judiciary.

Obaleye ordered that Edward be remanded at the Ibara Correctional Centre pending perfection of his bail conditions and adjourned the case until October 14 for hearing.