Herbalist charged with fraud

A Nigerian herbalist has been charged with fraud at a Lagos magistrate’s court in Oshodi.

According to the prosecution, the 38-year-old herbalist, Deji Adewole, who resides at Unity Estate, Ojodu Berger on the outskirts of Lagos, fraudulently obtained N245, 000 from Mrs Omobolanle Olajide under the pretext of “casting out’’some evil spirits tormenting her.

Cpl. Kehinde Olatunde told the court that the Adewole committed the offences on April 19 at Oshodi.

“The accused met the complainant and he deceived her that he saw in a vision that there are some evil spirits covering her glory. That the evil spirits also caused her barrenness. Adewole demanded N245, 000 from her in a bid to solve her problems,’’ he said. Four days later, the accused came back to request for another N450, 000 to buy a one-eyed cow to use in preparing a medicine for her.
The complainant sensed that she was being swindled and she called in the police.”

Olatunde said that the offences contravened Sections 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

Section 312 provides 15 years imprisonment for offenders on conviction.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Magistrate, Akeem Fashola, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case to May 20 for mention.