The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Monday arraigned Emmanuel Olufemi Are, (alias Paul Preston), Oladayo Daniel Ajileye, Majekodumi Gbolahan and Omowayeola Joseph Gbenga before Justice A.O Taiwo of a Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere on a 13-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence and possession of document containing false pretence.
The accused persons who are confidence tricksters, allegedly conned an American lady, Janet Perkins with promises of marriage and obtained various sums of money from her but luck ran out of them as they were nabbed in the process of collecting $5,700 sent to them through NIPOST.
One of the accused was said to have lied to the lady, pretending to be a “construction engineer intending to marry her and that the money represent payment of accommodation, transport and taxes in respect of projects you are handling as her fiancé and which pretence you knew to be false,” the charge sheet revealed.
In view of the plea of the defendants, the prosecuting counsel, Festus Ojo prayed the court to fix a trial date and remand the accused persons in prison custody but the defence counsel Adedoyin Banjo and W.G Abiodun informed the court that they had filed application for bail
Justice O.A Taiwo however granted the accused persons bail in the following conditions: N500, 000 and two sureties in like sum and that one of the sureties must be an employee of Lagos state government on grade level 12 with evidence of the last six months pay slip. The second surety must have landed property with C of O that must be verified by the court registrar.
Justice Taiwo adjourned further hearing to April 4, 2014.
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