The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on April 11, 2014 arraigned Emmanuel Olufemi Are, (alias Paul Preston), Oladayo Daniel Ajileye, Majekodumi Gbolahan and Omowayeola Joseph Gbenga before Justice A.O Taiwo of a Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere on a 13-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence and possession of document containing false pretence.
The accused persons pleaded not guilty to all the charges preferred against them by the EFCC.
The accused persons, who are confidence tricksters, allegedly conned an American lady, Janet Perkins with promises of marriage and obtained various sums of money from her. Luck ran out of them as they were nabbed in the process of collecting $5,700 sent to them through NIPOST.
One of the counts read, “Emmanuel Olufemi Are (alias Paul preston), Oladayo Daniel Ajileye, Omowayeola Joseph Gbenga and Majekodumi Gbolahan on or before the 26th day of September, 2013 at Lagos within the Lagos Judiciary Division with intent to defraud conspired to obtain the sum of $5,700 (Five Thousand Seven Hundred US Dollars) from one Janet Perkins of United States of America which sum she sent to you through NIPOST in a parcel No EG786577741US under the false pretence that you are a construction engineer intending to marry her and that the money represent payment of accommodation, transport and taxes in respect of projects you are handling as her fiancé and which pretence you knew to be false”.
In view of the plea of the defendants, the prosecuting counsel, Festus Ojo prayed the court to fix a trial date and remand the accused persons in prison custody. But the defence counsel Adedoyin Banjo and W.G Abiodun informed the court that they had filed application for bail
Justice O.A Taiwo however granted the accused persons bail in the following conditions: N500, 000 and two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties must be an employee of Lagos state government on grade level 12 with evidence of the last six months pay slip. The second surety must have landed property with C of O that must be verified by the court registrar.
Justice Taiwo adjourned further hearing to April 4, 2014.
Media & Publicity
14th April, 2014
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate