By ADEBISI FATIMA SOGBADE

An Islamic Cleric, Musa Akewusola, 30, who allegedly defrauded prayer seeker of N21 million, on Wednesday, appeared before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan.

The cleric, whose address was not provided on the charge sheet, pleaded not guilty to the three counts of fraud, conspiracy and conversion.

The Prosecuting counsel, Insp. Sikiru Opaleye, told the court that the defendant with others at large allegedly conspired together to commit the fraud.

Opaleye said that the defendant between June 3 and August 20, at Iyana-Offa area, Ibadan, fraudulently obtained N21million from one Muyiwa Bolarinwa.

He alleged that the defendant and his cohort obtained the amount under the pretext of providing him spiritual assistance, knowing same to be false.

The prosecutor also alleged that the defendant unlawfully converted the money to his own personal use, property of Bolarinwa.

Opaleye said the offences contravened Sections 383, 390 (9), 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.

The Defence counsel, Mr Babatunde Ajijola, asked the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N5million and with two sureties in like sum.

Ogunkanmi said one of the sureties must be a landed property owner within the court’s jurisdiction, and who possess an approved building plan.

She, thereafter, adjourned the matter until Dec. 10, for hearing. (NAN)