A 55-year-old Islamic cleric, Olaide Ajala, has been arraigned at the Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan for allegedly defrauding a businessman of ₦7.6 million in a fraudulent spiritual ritual scheme.
According to the police prosecutor, Inspector Salewa Hammed, Ajala deceived the victim, Mujeeb Adebayo, by promising to conduct prayers to resolve his business issues. The cleric allegedly collected ₦7,610,000 under false pretenses and later failed to fulfill the spiritual service.
Ajala faces a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraud, and theft. He allegedly acted with unidentified accomplices who remain at large.
The court has set a later date for further proceedings.
” The defendant and his cohort was alleged to have ran away after duping the complainant, ” he said.
Salewa alleged that the defendant stole the money and fraudulently converted it to his own use.
Hammed said the offence was allegedly committed in June 2024 at Academy area of Ibadan.
He said the offence is contrary to Section 383 and punishable under Section 390 ( 9), 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Magistrate, Mrs M. M. Olagbenro admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum.
Olagbenro said one of the sureties must be a blood relation to the defendant.
She adjourned the matter till June 17, for hearing.
