A Magistrate Court in Akure, Ondo State, has ordered the remand of Adedotun Daniel, a 63-year-old man, over allegations of defrauding three individuals of N19.72 million with the promise of securing visas for them. Daniel, along with unidentified accomplices, reportedly collected the funds under false pretenses, assuring the victims he could facilitate their travel documents.
The court heard that Daniel, using promises of providing U.S. travel sponsorships and visas, defrauded the three victims in amounts ranging from N3.5 million to over N9 million between February and July 2023. Additionally, Daniel is accused of issuing a bounced check for N5 million to one of the individuals after collecting funds. The defendant and his accomplices face six charges, including conspiracy, obtaining funds through false pretenses, and conversion of the funds for personal use.
In one specific case, Daniel allegedly took N9.22 million from Mr. Adesohun Folayele Clement to procure a U.S. sponsorship certificate, but no document was provided. In another, he reportedly collected N7 million from Mrs. Jombo Christianah in exchange for a U.S. visa for her relative, which was never delivered. The third incident involved obtaining N3.5 million from Mr. Kehinde Femi Bayode, also on the pretense of securing a U.S. visa.
The prosecution, led by Inspector Wada Simeon, argued for Daniel’s detention in a correctional facility pending further hearings. Daniel’s defense attorney, O.O. Oladapo, requested that he be held in police custody until the next court session, arguing they had just received the remand application.
The presiding Chief Magistrate, Damilola Sekoni, allowed the defense to submit a written request for further consideration. The case was adjourned to December 18, 2023, with an order for Daniel to be held in police custody until then.
