Clearing agent docked for alleged N1.7m fraud

A 40-year old clearing agent, Julius Oluwatobi was on Monday brought before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ibadan for alleged N1,790,000 fraud.

Oluwatobi, who resides on Surulere Street in the Oke-Bola area of Ibadan, is being tried for obtaining by false pretence and stealing.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Sikiru Opaleye said the defendant allegedly committed the offence sometime in February at the Challenge area of Ibadan.

Opaleye alleged that the defendant fraudulently obtained N1,790,000 million from one Joseph Balogun on the pretence of clearing a vehicle at the seaport for Balogun, which he failed to do.

Opaleye said the offence contravened Sections 390 (9) and 419 of the Oyo State Criminal Code, 2000.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the offence

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs O.O.Ogunkanmi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Ogunkanmi said one of the sureties must be a landed property owner within the court’s jurisdiction.

She adjourned the case until Oct. 18 for a hearing.