By Bilesanmi Abayomi
A 32-year-old man, identified as Temitope Adisa, found himself in legal trouble as he was arraigned in Lagos State on Friday, facing charges of allegedly obtaining N83,000 from a cleric under false pretenses, promising to provide a single-phase prepaid meter that was never delivered.
Adisa, who resides in Ikotun-Ayobo in Lagos State, is facing charges of obtaining money under false pretenses and stealing. During the court proceedings at the Ogudu Magistrates’ Court, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, Inspector Sunday Bassey, informed the court that the accused committed the alleged offenses on June 7 at Agboyi-Ketu, Alapere, Lagos State. Bassey stated that Adisa purportedly deceived Pastor Samuel Wisdom into giving him N83,000 for the promised prepaid meter.
Pastor Samuel Wisdom subsequently reported the incident to the Gbagada Police Station, explaining that he handed over the money to the defendant with the assurance that the meter would be ready within three weeks. However, Adisa failed to deliver the meter and did not return the money as agreed.
As Bassey recounted, the complainant’s attempts to reach Adisa were futile, as the defendant avoided his calls and even blocked his phone number. However, Pastor Samuel Wisdom was determined to seek justice, eventually managing to contact the defendant through another person who pretended to be interested in purchasing five prepaid meters in the Ifako area.
The alleged fraudulent actions of Temitope Adisa are in violation of Sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The Magistrate, Mrs. O.A. Daodu, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000, with two sureties required to provide an equal amount as a guarantee. The case has been adjourned until November 10 for further hearings.