Student risks 15 years’ imprisonment over N16,000 fraud

A 21-year-old student of Osun State Polytechnic, Adaramaja Olawale, was on Friday docked for alleged Facebook fraud.

Olawale, who resides at Abeokuta Street in Mushin, Lagos State, is standing trial on a two-count charge of fraud and stealing at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Yomi Egunjobi, told the court that the accused committed the offences on July 28, at No. 4, Moroti Bankole St., Ojodu area of Lagos State.

Egunjobi alleged that the accused made a false presentation on Facebook that one Alebiosu Adebola committed fraud.

He said the accused used the complainant’s name to defraud her friends on Facebook.

“Olawale hacked into the complainant’s Facebook account and changed her password.

“Through fraudulent means, the accused collected money and recharge cards amounting to N16,000 from the complainant’s Facebook friends.

“The complainant’s friends called her to confirm if she were the one chatting with them and requesting for money and recharge cards.’’

The prosecutor said that the accused was apprehended in Osun by the police after it had investigated the allegation.

Egunjobi said that the offences contravened Sections 285 and 312 (a), (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Section 312 provides a 15-year imprisonment if convicted.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs M. O. Oshinbajo, admitted the accused to N50, 000-bail following the defence counsel’s submission for the bail application.

Oshinbajo also ordered the accused to provide two sureties in like sum who must be gainfully employed and adjourned the case for mention.