A 36-year-old visa agent, Lawal Idris, has been arraigned before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan for allegedly defrauding an aspiring migrant of ₦7.66 million under the pretext of securing Canadian or Spanish work visas.
The defendant is facing a two-count charge of fraud and stealing, to which he pleaded not guilty.
During the court proceedings on Monday, the prosecutor, ASP Sikiru Ibrahim, alleged that Idris fraudulently obtained the money from the complainant, Atinuke Adeoso, between November and December 2025 after promising to procure foreign work visas for her.
According to Ibrahim, the defendant, who operated from No. 48, Taiwo House, Sango, Ibadan, knew the promise was false and converted the money to his personal use.
The prosecutor told the court that the alleged offences contravene Section 383 and are punishable under Sections 390(9) and 419 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
Chief Magistrate M. Mudashiru granted Idris bail in the sum of ₦1 million with two sureties in like sum, one of whom must be a close relative and possess either a voter’s card or a driver’s licence.
The matter was adjourned until August 10 for hearing.