AUnited Kingdom (UK) based cleric, Pastor Paul-Kayode Joash, has been remanded in the Agodi custodial centre of the Nigeria correctional service in Ibadan for allegedly defrauding three persons of N305 million.

Joash, who is the Senior Pastor of The Great House Nation Church located at former BJ Rentals building, beside Sango cemetery, Ibadan, was alleged to have collected the huge sum from three people.

The fund was allegedly meant to procure certificate of sponsorship for those intending to migrate to the UK for healthcare job.

The cleric was arrested in his church by policemen following a report by the victims.

He was said to have charged between £3,500 and £5,500 per candidate but failed to provide the certificates after one year.

He was said to have been sneaking in and out of Nigeria to escape those he allegedly defrauded.

The Oyo State Police Command arraigned Joash on a 10-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence an offence which is punishable under criminal code of the laws of the state.

He was alleged to have obtained a sum of N134,823,750 from a victim; N30 million from another; N135,177,750 from one and N5,881,000 from another victim totalling N305,882,500.

When he was arraigned before a magistrate court in Ibadan on October 30, Joash pleaded ‘Not guilty’ to the charges.

He was admitted to N10 million bailwith two sureties in like sum with a condition that they must be gainfully employed and must be ready to deposit their international passports. One of the sureties must also have property in Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan.

The case was adjourned to December 18 for mention.(The Nation)