A couple, Ibrahim Dikko, 35 and Agnes Dikko, 32, were arraigned on Thursday before the Okitipupa Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ondo over alleged N3 million fraud.

The defendants, a businessman and businesswoman, are facing a three-count charge, bordering on felony, advance fee fraud and stealing.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

Police prosecutor ASP Zedekiah Orogbemi told the court that the defendants, on April 27, 2023, around 10:00 a.m., at Adidas Petrol Station in Okitipupa, Okitipupa magisterial district, conspired to commit a felony.

Mr Orogbemi said the couple fraudulently obtained N3 million from one Sunday Aro under the pretence of selling a plot of land to him at NDDC quarters in Okitipupa.

The prosecutor said the couple later converted the money to their personal use.

According to Mr Orogbemi, the offences are punishable under sections 516, 419, and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

Chief magistrate Cletus Ojuola granted the defendants bail of N500,000 each, with one surety each in like sum.

He said the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and present evidence of two years of tax payment to the Ondo government.

He adjourned the case until February 5 for further hearing. 

(NAN)