Court adjourns as accused found with suspected charms in dock

An Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ogba on Friday adjourned the trial of a suspected fraudster when the accused was found to be in possession of objects suspected to be charms.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Chief Magistrate Omolade Awope had observed that the accused was feeling uncomfortable and jittery in the dock and ordered that a thorough body search be conducted on him.

NAN reports that following the search, assorted objects suspected to be charms were found hidden under the dress of the 41-year-old accused, Ibrahim Umaru.

As a result of the shocking discovery, the chief magistrate deferred the trial of the suspected fraudster to June 10.

Umaru, who resides at No. 8, Amodu Faronbi Street, Isolo, Lagos is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and obtaining under false pretences.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp. Ezekiel Ayorinde, had told the court that Umaru and his accomplice, Sunday Godwin, on Sept. 25, 2011 hypnotised one Okunola Salau and duped him of cash and jewellery worth N5 million.

“The duo also took him home, performed magical acts on him and threatened him not to tell anybody otherwise he will die.

“Afterwards they kept on pestering him on phone to give them money and jewellery.

“Salau later gave them gold jewellery worth N4 million before he later regained consciousness,” the prosecutor said.

NAN reports the accused had pleaded not guilty to the charge and had been granted bail in the sum of N1million and two sureties.

The accused had earlier been arraigned at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court before his case was transferred to the Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ogba.