Man arraigned over alleged N1.4m Sienna bus scam

A 62-year-old man has been brought before an Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State over allegations that he collected N1.4 million from a prospective buyer under false pretences.

The accused, Olawale Opaje, was arraigned on Tuesday on charges bordering on fraud and obtaining money by deception. He pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

According to the prosecution, the incident occurred at Community Avenue, Elewedu, Abule Ijoko, Ota, where the defendant allegedly entered into an agreement with Ajani Abayomi for the sale of a Toyota Sienna vehicle.

Prosecuting counsel,  E.O. Adaraloye, told the court that Opaje allegedly received N1.4 million from the complainant after promising to deliver the vehicle.

The prosecutor claimed that rather than complete the transaction, the defendant diverted the money for personal use, contrary to the terms of the agreement.

Adaraloye said the alleged offences contravene Sections 390 and 419(a) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.

In her ruling on bail, Magistrate O.O. Fadairo admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N150,000 with one surety in the same amount.

She directed that the surety must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction, be gainfully employed and provide evidence of tax payment to the Ogun State Government.

The case was subsequently adjourned for further proceedings.