Osun police drags 19-year-old boy to court for alleged N326,000 online fraud

From Lateef Dada, Osogbo

The Osun State Police Command has arraigned a 19-year-old boy, Olaniyan Taoheed, before a Magistrate Court in Osogbo for allegedly defrauding a family of N326,000 through an online investment scam.

The defendant was arraigned on two count charges of obtaining money under false pretenses and stealing, contrary to Sections 419 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 34 Vol. II, Laws of Osun State, 2003.

Baruwa Oluwabukola, the complainant, informed the court that the defendant initially engaged with her 16-year-old daughter through a school-related WhatsApp group.

He lured her into a fraudulent investment scheme despite Oluwabukola’s warnings to her daughter to avoid him.

“I told her to block him immediately because I knew it was a scam,” she stated.

The teenager reportedly transferred N2,000 from her personal account to the defendant after he promised a return of N25,000.

When she sought her profits, the defendant claimed issues with the investment platform and suggested she reinvest to unlock her returns.

Despite her mother’s warnings, the daughter continued to transfer money, ultimately sending a total of N324,000 from her mother’s account.

The police prosecutor, Adepoju Kayode, said investigations showed that the defendant received the funds and used deceitful tactics to persuade the teenager to keep sending money, stating he exploited her trust with false promises of quick profits.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges and his counsel, Okobie Najite, pleaded for bail, noting that Taoheed had refunded N200,000 of the money to the prosecutor.

The Magistrate, Dr. Olusegun Ayilara, assured the complainant that efforts would be made to recover the remaining funds.

“The court will ensure that the complainant receives her money back as the case proceeds,” he stated.

Ayilara granted the defendant bail in the amount of N500,000 with one surety of the same sum.

He admonished the 16-year-old girl for engaging in quick-money schemes and urged her mother to provide better guidance.

The magistrate condemned the actions of the defendant, emphasizing that fraudulent practices cannot replace hard work.

The case has been adjourned to February 19, for mention.