2nd March, 2022
By Akin Kuponiyi
A self-styled acclaimed spiritualist Olalekan Mutholib has been arraigned before a Federal High Court, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria for allegedly swindling one Raji Babajide to the tune of $100,000 and N1,050,000.
He was arraigned by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a four-count amended charge filed before the court by the anti-graft agency’s legal officer, Bilikisu Buhari Bala, it was alleged that Olalekan Mutholib and one Nurudeen Gbolagade Rasheed now at large, with intent to defraud conspired together to obtain the total sum of $100,000 and N1,050,000.00 from Babajide.
The money was alleged to have been obtained under the guise of falsely representing themselves as possessing power or capable of doubling or otherwise increasing the said sum through the medium of invocation of juju or under an invisible entity.
The accused pleaded not guilty. His counsel, A.B.Odetoki urged the court to grant him bail in liberal terms, on the ground of ill health, as the accused has been under going surgical operations before his arrest and detention.
However, the EFCC’s prosecutor, A.R. Alabi told the court that the medical report attached to the bail application was obsolete, and that in addition, the presiding vacation Judge had earlier granted him, bail but that he was unable to fulfil the bail conditions.
After listening to the argument and submission of the two parties, the presiding Judge, Nicholas Oweibo adjourned till Friday, 4 May, 2022 for ruling.
The offences committed are as in the charge stated below: