A 49-year-old travel agent, Akintunde Lamidi Ayinla, has been arraigned before an Akure Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ondo State over the alleged diversion of N20 million obtained from a client under the pretext of facilitating an overseas trip.
Ayinla was brought before the court on a three-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, fraudulent conversion and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
The police prosecutor, Adebayo Suleiman, told the court that the alleged offences were committed in July 2025 within the Akure Magisterial District.
Suleiman alleged that the defendant collected N20 million from one Omole Temitope after promising to arrange his travel abroad, a representation he allegedly knew to be false.
The prosecutor further told the court that Ayinla converted the money to personal use and failed to refund the sum within the agreed six-month period.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offences contravene Sections 419, 383 and 249(d) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Counsel to the defendant, A. Sunday Micheal, urged the court to admit his client to bail on liberal terms.
In her ruling, the presiding Magistrate, Damilola Sekoni, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum.
The magistrate subsequently adjourned the case till June 10, 2026, for further hearing.
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