By CHIDINMA EWUNONU-ALUKO

A 40-year-old banker, Olatunji Okuniyi, was on Thursday docked in an Iyananku Magistrates’ Court Ibadan for alleged N51.5 million fraud.

Okuniyi, who works at Union Bank, Ibadan, was charged with a four -count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretense and stealing.

The defendant pleaded not guilty.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp Akeem Akinloye, told the court that the defendant committed the offences between Dec. 2024 and March 2025, at Fullrange Microfinance bank, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

Akinloye said that the defendant allegedly obtained the sum of N16.5 million at the aforementioned bank, represented by one Mr Olayinka Awoniyi.

He also alleged that the defendant obtained the sum of N35 million at Pitch Capital Ltd, represented by one Mrs Yetunde Aishat, between April 2025 and May, 2025.

Akinloye alleged that the defendant obtained the money, totaling N51.5 million under the pretense of using it as proof of transaction to process Canadian visa for his wife, Oluwafunmilola.

He said the defendant rather converted the money to his personal use and therefore committed offences contrary to Sections 419 and 390(9) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N7.5 million with two reliable sureties in like sum.

She thereafter adjourned the case until Oct. 21, 2025 for hearing. (NAN)