Local herb seller in court over alleged N180m fraud

A local herb seller, who allegedly obtained N180 million under the guise of casting out evil spell from his victim, was on Monday arraigned in Lagos.

The accused, Adedoyin Oyenuga, 31, who resides in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun, is standing trial on a three-count charge of obtaining by pretext, conspiracy and stealing before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

Although the accused denied the charges, the prosecutor, Insp. Simeon Imhonwa, told the court that the offences were committed between March and September 2014.

According to him, the accused approached the complainant, one Mr Ken Onwuka, at a petrol station at Jakande round-about, Lekki, Lagos, claiming to know of his problems.

He said Oyenuga related facts that convinced Onwuka that he actually had spiritual powers.

“Oyenuga, armed with information about Onwuka, obtained from others still at large, convinced Onwuka to seek help from him.

“The accused subsequently requested for money to consult the oracle and purchase materials to facilitate the casting out of the said spell from the complainant.

“He obtained a total sum of N180 million,” Imhonwa said.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 285, 312 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The Magistrate, Mrs Bola Osunsanmi, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Osunsanmi added that they must be employees of reputable companies or property owners in Lagos State.

The case was adjourned till Nov. 16 for mention.