CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 38-year-old woman, Olaide Majekodunmi, has been arraigned before the Ikeja Magistrate Court in Lagos over an alleged N30 million fraud involving a purported proof of fund document to travel to Canada.
The defendant was arraigned before Magistrate L.A. Owolabi following a complaint filed by one Abimbola Sadiq, who alleged that she parted with the sum of N30,000,000 under false pretence.
The prosecution was led by SP Josephine Ihkayere.
According to the charge sheet filed by the Commissioner of Police, the incident allegedly occurred sometime in August 2025 at about 2:00pm in the Ogba area of Lagos, within the Ikeja Magisterial District.
Police alleged that the defendant fraudulently obtained the sum of N30,000,000 from the complainant under the pretence that she wanted to use the money to process a proof of fund document that would enable the complainant to travel to Canada.
The prosecution further alleged that the defendant knew the presentation to be false at the time it was made.
The alleged offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which deals with obtaining money under false pretence.
In the second count, the Police alleged that the defendant stole the sum of N30,000,000, being the property of Abimbola Sadiq, by allegedly converting the money to her own use.
That count was said to be contrary to Section 280 and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The third count borders on alleged conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
Police alleged that the defendant conducted herself in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace by allegedly threatening the complainant and threatening to circulate her nude pictures on social media platforms.
According to the charge, the alleged threat was made in order to prevent the complainant from demanding a refund of the N30,000,000.
The prosecution said the alleged conduct is contrary to and punishable under Section 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
After the charges were read, the defendant pleaded not guilty.
The presiding Magistrate, Mr. Owolabi, granted the defendant bail with two sureties, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.
The court ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody at the Correctional Centre, Kirikiri Town, pending the perfection of her bail conditions.
The Investigating Police Officer in the matter was identified as CPL Saka Olushola of the Area “G” Command, Ogba, Lagos.
The matter was adjourned for further hearing, with the court expected to fix a date for trial after the bail conditions are met.
Meanwhile, legal observers note that proof of fund fraud has become increasingly common as many Nigerians seek to travel abroad for study, work and relocation.
They advise members of the public to verify travel and financial documentation processes through accredited banks, embassies and licensed travel consultants to avoid falling victim to alleged fraud.
All the allegations against the defendant remain unproven. She is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Efforts to get her reaction were not successful as of the time of filing this report.