A couple, Martin Ogiator and Wuraola Ogiator, has been dragged before Magistrate Abdulmajid Oniyangi of a Wuse Zone 2 Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, over allegations that they defrauded a woman, identified as Uchenna Ademiluyi of N71.3 million.
It was gathered that the lovers, who were arraigned on Thursday, were in court on a four-count of conspiracy, breach of trust, cheating and misappropriation.
The duo pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them.
Magistrate Oniyangi admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N20m each with two sureties in like sum.
Furthermore, he ordered that the sureties standing for both defendants must live within the jurisdiction of the court and have a verifiable means of livelihood.
The magistrate added that, additionally, the sureties must submit their letters of employment, confirmation and last promotion for employees, while business owners must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and their tax clearance certificates submitted to the court’s registrar.
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Earlier, the police prosecutor, Umoh Inah, told the court that Ademiluyi, a resident of 36 Drive, Prince and Princess Estate, Kaura, Abuja, reported the case at a police station.
Inah said the couple, residents of Efab Estate, Lokogoma, fraudulently collected the sum through their bank accounts.
He said the defendants collected the money under false pretences that they would execute contracts in some Federal Government agencies.
“It was, however, discovered that they both conspired and diverted the money into personal use,” he said.
He added that the offences contravened the provisions of Sections 97, 312, 322 and 309 of the Penal Code.
Magistrate Oniyangi adjourned the case till June 5.