The Iyaganku Family Court sitting in Ibadan has ordered the remand of an acclaimed herbalist, James Mathew, 29, in the Agodi Correctional facility for allegedly defiling a 14-year-old girl.

Mr Mathew of Aba-Nla Village, Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan, was charged with 10 counts bordering on defilement and fraud of N5.7 million.

Chief Magistrate Patricia Adetuyibi did not take the plea of Mr Mathew due to lack of jurisdiction.

Ms Adetuyibi said his remand is pending the outcome of legal advice from the Oyo State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), and adjourned the matter until September 15, for a mention.

The prosecution counsel, Folake Ewe, said the offence contravened Section 221(1) of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.

She also said that Mr Mathew, between October 2021 and June 2022, obtained N5 million from Odeh Igiri to prepare healing charms for him.

She added that the herbalist also obtained N300,000 from Veronica Paul on the pretence of providing charms for healing her ailments.

Also, she said he obtained N245,000 from Solomon Paul to prepare a good luck charm for his business and failed to do so.

She said Mr Mathew admitted to obtaining the money from the complainants.

Ms Ewe said the offence contravened Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000. 

(NAN)