OYO, Nigeria – Ukanwa Ikechukwu, a corps member in Oyo State, was arraigned in an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court on Friday, April 14, 2023, for allegedly defrauding a police officer, ACP Modupe Okpaleke, of N235,000.
Ikechukwu faces charges of pretence and theft, to which he pleaded not guilty.
Prosecution Counsel Olufemi Omilana informed the court that the defendant, a physiotherapy graduate assigned to the Police Cottage Hospital in Eleyele, Ibadan, had collected N235,000 from Okpaleke on December 4, 2022, with the intent to defraud.
The money was allegedly fraudulently converted to Ikechukwu’s personal use.
According to the police, ACP Okpaleke sought medical assistance for her leg problem at the Police Cottage Hospital, where she was introduced to Ikechukwu.
The defendant recommended that she purchase a bicycle, leading to the transfer of N235,000. The alleged crime contravenes sections 390 (9) and 419 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.
Magistrate M. I. Giwa-Babalola granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum. The case has been adjourned until May 25 for further hearing.
