Man Arraigned for Allegedly Defrauding Woman of N1.7 Million

A 33-year-old man, Japhet Ogonna, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly obtaining N1.75 million under false pretences.

Ogonna is facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, conversion, and impersonation. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

According to the prosecutor, ASP Simon Uche, the offences were committed between September 28 and 30, 2022, in the Ilogbo area of Ojo. Uche told the court that Ogonna, in collaboration with others who are still at large, fraudulently obtained N1.75 million from one Jacinta Illobuasi under the pretext of helping her purchase medication for a so-called “cryptic pregnancy.”

The prosecutor said the promise was never fulfilled, and instead, the defendant converted the money for personal use.

Ogonna was also accused of impersonating a medical doctor and presenting himself as a healthcare professional in charge of a facility known as “Thank God Clinic,” despite lacking proper qualifications.

The alleged offences contravene Sections 78, 287, 314, and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

When asked by the magistrate how he came to run the clinic, Ogonna claimed he inherited the role from his mother, a former midwife. He also stated that he had refunded N1.2 million to the complainant and explained that he informed her of his inability to pay the balance at the moment, but she insisted on involving law enforcement.

Magistrate Lateef Layeni granted Ogonna bail in the sum of N300,000, with two sureties in like amount. The case was adjourned to July 28 for further mention.