Artisan arraigned over alleged N1.8m fraud in Ibadan

A 56-year-old artisan was, on Friday, arraigned before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan over an alleged N1.8 million fraud.

The defendant, Olugbenga Oladiti, a borehole driller, is standing trial on two counts of obtaining money under false pretences and stealing.

The prosecutor, Inspector Elisha Tellang, told the court that the defendant committed the offences in September 2025 at the Oke-Ado area of Ibadan.

He alleged that the defendant fraudulently obtained the sum of N1.8 million from one Mr Taiwo Olatunji under the pretext of helping him to drill a borehole.

The prosecutor further alleged that the defendant failed to drill the borehole but converted the money to his personal use.

The offences contravene the provisions of Sections 390(9) and 419 of the Criminal Law of Oyo State, 2000.

Meanwhile, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Magistrate, Mrs Moyosore Atanda, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

She, however, adjourned the case until 21 April for further hearing.