Court Detains Clergy For Visa Fraud

On Friday, Akin Ajagbe, a clergyman, was taken into custody by police in a court of Ikeja Magistrates for supposedly defrauding a N180,000 housewife for a UK visa.

Ajagbe was charged with obtaining money under false pretences and stealing.

The Prosecution Counsel, Sgt. Ishola Samuel told the court that Ajagbe, 52, who resides at No. 31, Church St., Oke-odo, Agege, Lagos, with one person at large committed the offence on Aug. 10, 2017.

He alleged that Ajagbe fraudulently obtained N180,000 from the complainant, Mrs Biliki Adesope, to procure a UK visa for her.

The prosecution counsel alleged that Ajagbe ”disappeared” after collecting the money.

He said the offence contravened the provisions of sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 prescribes a three-year jail term for stealing, while Section 314 attracts 15 years for obtaining money under false pretences.

Magistrate A.I Abina admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N300,000 with one surety in like sum.

Abina instructed that the security be fully employed  and that the Lagos State Government (LASG) be shown evidence of two years of tax payment.

The judge adjourned the case for hearing until Aug. 28.