Travel Agent Arraigned for Alleged N5.4m Visa Fraud in Ibadan
A travel agent, Lanre Sangodoyin, has been arraigned before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan for allegedly defrauding a client of N5.4 million under the guise of procuring a Canadian visa.
Sangodoyin, 35, who resides in the Adelubi area of Alakija, Ibadan, faces charges of fraud and stealing. According to the police prosecutor, ASP Foluke Adedosu, the defendant allegedly obtained the sum from Mr. Wahab Yusuf in March, promising to secure a Canadian visa, a claim that was later found to be false.
The prosecutor further alleged that Sangodoyin fraudulently converted the N5.4 million to his personal use, an offense that contravenes Section 383 and is punishable under Sections 390 (9) and 419 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000. If found guilty, Sangodoyin could face up to seven years imprisonment.
Sangodoyin pleaded not guilty to the charges. His defense counsel, Mr. Ola Olaniyi, requested that bail be granted on liberal terms.
Magistrate M. M. Olagbenro granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N1 million with two sureties of the same amount. She stipulated that one of the sureties must be a blood relative, while the other must present three years of tax clearance from the Oyo State government.
The case has been adjourned until November 20 for further hearing.
