A 30-year-old Islamic cleric, Musa Akewusola, was on Wednesday brought before the Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan for allegedly defrauding a man seeking spiritual help of ₦21 million.
We gathered that Akewusola, whose residential address was not listed in court documents, pleaded not guilty to three charges bordering on conspiracy, fraud, and unlawful conversion.
Prosecuting counsel, Insp. Sikiru Opaleye, told the court that the defendant, alongside others still at large, conspired to swindle the complainant, Mr. Muyiwa Bolarinwa, between June 3 and August 20 at the Iyana-Offa area of Ibadan.
According to the prosecutor, the cleric collected ₦21 million from Bolarinwa under the guise of rendering spiritual assistance, fully aware that the claim was false. He further alleged that the money was later diverted for the cleric’s personal use.
Opaleye noted that the offences contravened Sections 383, 390 (9), 419, and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
Defence counsel, Mr. Babatunde Ajijola, urged the court to admit his client to bail on lenient conditions.
Chief Magistrate Mrs. Olabisi Ogunkanmi granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million, with two sureties in like amount. She ruled that one of the sureties must own landed property within the court’s jurisdiction and present an approved building plan as proof.
The case was adjourned to December 10 for further hearing.
