Monday, November 2, 2026

Man arraigned for allegedly impersonating U.S. citizen, defrauding victims of $80,000

The magistrate adjourned the case until August 27 for hearing.

• July 9, 2026
Courtroom
Courtroom (Credit: Nigerian Guardian)

The police on Thursday, dragged a 27-year-old man, Hammed Adebisi before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, over alleged impersonation.

The defendant is standing trial on a six-count charge bordering on impersonation, conspiracy, fraud, stealing, assault, and conduct likely to breach peace.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, ASP Sikiru Opaleye, alleged that the defendant committed the offence alongside others now at large on May 15, 2025.

He alleged that the defendant was stopped by the police at the Akala Express area of Ibadan, for a stop and search.

The prosecutor alleged that the defendant wilfully obstructed and assaulted one Inspector Joseph Odagboyi attached to the Swift Response Squad while executing his duty.

According to him, when interrogated, the defendant impersonated as a U.S. female citizen named Brocatin.

He was alleged to have defrauded two men, Eufimia and Gina respectively, and obtained from them the sum of $80, 000.

The prosecution told the court that the defendant obtained the money under false pretence of marrying both men on the internet.

He was alleged to have converted the proceeds of his fraud to buy a Mercedes Benz GLe 350 valued at N90 million as well as an iPhone 15 valued N1.5 million.

Mr Opaleye alleged that on July 6, at about 3.30 p.m the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to caused breach of peace by using his vehicle to block the highway during stop and search.

The offences contravene the provisions of sections 249 (d), 250 (4), 356 (2), 383(1), 390 (9), 419 and 516 (1) of the Criminal Law of Oyo State 2000.

The Chief Magistrate, Olabisi Ogunkanmi, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of five million naira, with two sureties in like sum.

She ordered that one of the sureties must be owner of a landed property within jurisdiction, while the second surety must be a blood relative of the defendant.

She adjourned the case until August 27, for hearing. (NAN)

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