A middle-aged man named Oni Samuel has been charged with scamming a s*x worker at a magistrates’ court in Akure, the capital of Ondo State. Mr. Oni was charged with using a “fake alert” to defraud Blessing Olaitan of N120,000.
The defendant was arraigned in court on Thursday after being captured by members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The prosecutor, David Ebiriku, who read the charge sheets, stated that Mr. Samuel committed a two-count offense including conspiracy and theft.
The accusation stated, “That you, Oni Samuel “M”, and others at large on 1 day of March 2023 at Alagbaka, Akure within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire with yourselves to commit a criminal offense, to wit (sic) stole a sum One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira of Mrs. Blessing Olaitan thereby committed an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 37, Vol 1 Laws of Ondo State, 2006.“
But he entered a not-guilty plea to the accusations. When she appeared in court as a witness, Ms. Olaitan informed the magistrate that she is a professional s*x hawker.
She narrated how she met with Mr. Samuel a few days ago and how both agreed to “hook up” for a night, with a service fee of N15,000.
According to her, the defendant also allegedly collected the sum of N80,000 cash shortly after having a night’s rest with a promise to transfer both funds to her. It was discovered a few hours later that Mr. Samuel sent her a fake alert.
Speaking in the court, E.O Nifemi, the defense counsel, asked the court to grant his client bail but the prosecutor, Mr. Ebiriku opposed and prayed he should be remanded.
The case was adjourned till April 17, 2023, for further hearing.
