A Nigerian travel agent, Sharafadeen Irorun, has been arraigned, by the Lagos State Government before an Ikeja High Court for allegedly defrauding some intending pilgrims of N24.6 million.
According to a report News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) published in guardian.ng, Irorun is facing a 12-count-charge bordering on stealing and obtaining money under false pretences.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
According to prosecution counsel, Mr Olawale Ijabike, the defendant and others still at large fraudulently obtained the sum from some intending pilgrims with an assurance to prepare them to travel for the 2014 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
NAN reports that one of the complainants, Mr Lukman Abdulkareem, told the court during proceedings that his name was removed from the list of complainants.
READ: News: Plans by South African retail Giant to leave Nigeria stalled as Court dismisses request to vacate Order Stopping it from Leaving over $47m Debt
“My lord, I am the direct complainant in this matter but I do not know why my name is not mentioned in the charge sheet, ” Abdulkareem said.
The prosecution counsel, however, told the court that he had a discussion with the complainant and would effect the change on the charge sheet.
Defence counsel, Mr Akinwole Kuye, informed the court that a bail application for the defendant and an affidavit in support of the application were before the court.
Kuye said that the application was dated May 25.
The prosecution counsel told the court that he had filed a counter-affidavit.
Justice Oyindamola Ogala adjourned the case until July 7 for hearing of the bail application.
