Sunday, July 12, 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)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Strait of Hormuz

World

Iran, Oman end Hormuz talks without breakthrough

The strategic waterway lies between Iran to the north and Oman to the south, giving both countries a direct role in ensuring maritime security.

Kings College Lagos,

Education

Kings College Lagos PTA rejects takeover plan by old boys’ association

The parents unanimously rejected the move and appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the approval.

Nigerians evacuated from South Africa

Diaspora

Sixth batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrives in Lagos

NiDCOM also announced various financial support packages for the returnees.

Amina Kabir, Special Assistant to the President on Delivery and Coordination

Heading 3

Govt can’t tackle Nigeria’s economic, social challenges alone; CSOs must step in: Presidency

Ms Kabir said the government alone could not address the country’s growing challenges.

Toronto street festival

World

At least two killed, five injured in Toronto street festival shooting

The police said investigations are ongoing to fish out the shooter, warning the public to stay away from the area.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

NationWide

INEC extends deadline for submission of 2027 presidential, NASS candidates’ lists

INEC said the extension followed the Inter-Party Advisory Council’s appeal on behalf of political parties.