A 37-year-old cleric, Lateef Oladigbolu, on Friday appeared before the Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly defrauding a baker of N28 million.

Mr Oladigbolu, who resides in Onikere, Ifo, in Ogun State, is charged with conspiracy, breach of peace, obtaining money by false pretences and threat to life, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Insp John Iberedem, told the court that the defendant and his cohorts, at large, allegedly committed the offences on different occasions.

He said they committed the offence on December 15, 2021, February 24, 2022, September 21, 2022, and April 18, 2024, all at the Kollington Bus stop, Alagbado, Lagos.

Mr Iberedem said the defendant and others collected the money from the complainant, a baker, within some months to make certain special prayers for him to boost his business.

“In December, the complainant was introduced to the defendant, who is an Islamic cleric (Alfa), for a special prayer.

“During the prayer sessions, the complainant was asked to transfer money into GTB, Access bank, UBA, FCMB, Polaris bank accounts and also Opay, Palmpay, Monie point online accounts and other different accounts to the tune of N28 million.

“The defendant took the complainant to his other accomplices, who are herbalists, and they collected goats, sheep and pigeons from him for sacrifices.

“When the complainant realised that he had been swindled by a syndicate of fraudsters, he told them he had no more money to give them, and they started threatening him.

“They threatened to kill him and all members of his family with charms if he revealed their secret to anyone”, the prosecutor said.

According to the prosecutor, the offence contravenes sections 56, 174, 314 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Section 314 attracts 15 years for obtaining under false pretences.

The magistrate, E. Kubeinje, admitted the defendant to N2 million bail with two responsible sureties in like sum who must be gainfully employed.

She added that they must produce evidence of tax payment verification, and an affidavit of means must be provided.

Ms Kubeinje adjourned the matter until November 13 for mention.

(NAN)