Fraudster docked for defrauding internet lover of $267,000

Akintunde Vincent Abiodun, a fraudster has been docked by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for forgery and obtaining money by false pretence.

He was arraigned before Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye of Lagos State High court  Ikeja for defrauding a United Kingdom victim, D. Bonnici of  $267,000 New Zealand Dollars by claiming to be Christopher Williams from  United Kingdom

The 37-year-old HND holder from Federal Polytechnic Auchi, Edo State, was said to have met the complainant in a dating site on the internet and allegedly fell in love with him.

She said the accused started collecting money from her after he claimed he was in possession of gemstone worth $18,050,000 which he purportedly inherited from his father.

She further said, Akintunde hoodwinked her into believing that he was coming to New Zealand to settle down with her.

National Daily gathered that the money she sent to the suspect were received in Malaysia and Nigeria by persons bearing Norisha, Jalan Klan, and Mohammed Haizam Bin Fauzin.  All of them claimed to be friends of Akintunde.

When the 14 charges were read to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty.

In view of the plea, the prosecuting counsel, Sesan Ola prayed the court to remand the defendant in prison custody and also for a trial date to be given.

Counsel to the defendant, O.P. Daramola however prayed the court to grant the defendant bail.

But the prosecution opposed the bail application on the grounds that the defendant had attempted to travel to the United States while on administrative bail and was similarly denied a Canadian visa

Justice Ipaye consequently dismissed the bail application while ordering the defendant be remanded in Kirikiri prison custody while the case was adjourned to 7 and 8 March, 2017 for trial,