A 27-year-old furniture maker, Olorunisola Ayela, on Friday appeared before an Okitipupa Chief Magistrates’ Court over an alleged N1.2 million fraud.

The defendant whose address was not provided, is facing a three-count charge bordering on felony, fraud and conversion.

The Prosecutor, ASP Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on April 28, at about 3.00 p.m., at Onukun Estate in Okitipupa, within the Okitipupa Magisterial District.

Mr Orogbemi said that the defendant unlawfully obtained the sum of N1.25 million from Dr Niyi Ikumelo under the false pretence of helping him construct a set of chairs, but failed to do so.

He said that the defendant converted the money to his personal use without recourse.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravene Sections 418, 419, and 517 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.

The Chief Magistrate, Olanrewaju Adelegan, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000, with one surety in like sum.

He added that the surety, who must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction, must present evidence of two years’ tax payments made to the state government.

Adelegan adjourned the case until November 20 for further hearing.

(NAN)