A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Mrs. Tosin Comfort Olagunju, an official of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in Suleja prison, Niger State. This decision was made pending the hearing of her bail application, which is set for October 9.
Justice Binta Nyako issued this order on Wednesday following Mrs. Olagunju’s arraignment on a four-count charge. She is accused of obtaining N12,400,000 from job seekers under false pretenses, promising to secure them employment with the NSCDC.
Mrs. Olagunju, who resides in Karu Site, Abuja, pleaded not guilty to the charges marked FHC/ABJ/CR/183/2024. The charges were filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
After the plea, prosecuting lawyer Princewill Eke requested a date for the trial to commence. Meanwhile, the defense lawyer, M. A. Oloniruka, informed the court that a bail application had been filed just before the court session began. However, Justice Nyako noted that the application was not yet in the court’s file and therefore not ready for hearing. Oloniruka’s request to apply for bail orally was also denied. Justice Nyako emphasized that all applications must be formal and in writing.
The judge adjourned the matter to October 9 for trial and ordered that Mrs. Olagunju be remanded in Suleja correctional center.
Count one of the charges states that between 2010 and 2023, Mrs. Olagunju allegedly obtained N12,400,000 by false pretenses, claiming she could secure employment for people with the NSCDC. This act is said to violate Section 1(1)(c) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
Count two alleges that between 2020 and 2023, Mrs. Olagunju conspired with others to commit criminal conspiracy, an offense punishable under Section 97(1) of the Penal Code Act, 2004.
In count three, she is accused of dishonestly converting N12,400,000, which was entrusted to her for securing employment with the NSCDC, to her own use between 2020 and 2023. This violates Section 311 and is punishable under Section 312 of the Penal Code Act, 2004.
Count four alleges that between 2010 and 2023, Mrs. Olagunju fraudulently and dishonestly induced some Nigerians to part with N12,400,000, thereby cheating them and causing them financial damage. This act is contrary to Section 320 and punishable under Section 322 of the Penal Code Act, 2004.