Ibadan: A 39-year-old man, Joshua Akinola, appeared in a Mapo Grade A Customary Court in Ibadan, accused of multiple fraud charges related to his alleged activities as a fake money lender. Akinola, who is facing an eight-count charge of false pretence and theft, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him by the police.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the court’s president, Mrs. O.E. Owoseni, granted Akinola bail set at N500,000, with the condition that he provides two reliable sureties, each guaranteeing the same amount. The sureties are required to present evidence of owning landed property within the jurisdiction of the court and must provide their National Identification Number (NIN) for verification purposes.
The prosecution, led by Inspector Ayodele Ayeni, detailed that the alleged fraudulent activities occurred between August 23, 2025, and January 2026, at Ogunpa Market in Ibadan, Oyo State. Ayeni explained that Akinola was accused of fraudulently obtaining N334,500 from a complainant named Lusia Ajikobi, based on a false agreement to provide her with a loan.
Furthermore, Akinola allegedly obtained N437,000 from another individual, Samson Akinola, under similar pretences. Additional charges include the fraudulent acquisition of N250,000 from Adebisi Adebowale and N160,000 from Alimat Sanusi, again under the guise of offering loans. The case is set for a hearing on June 18.