by Eric Ikhilae, Abuja
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that Mrs. Tosin Comfort Olagunju, an official of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), be remanded in Suleja Prison, Niger State, pending the hearing of her bail application set for October 9.
Justice Binta Nyako issued the order following Olagunju’s arraignment on a four-count charge, which accuses her of obtaining N12.4 million from job seekers under false pretenses, promising them employment in the NSCDC.
Olagunju, a resident of Karu Site, Abuja, pleaded not guilty to the charges. After her plea, prosecuting lawyer Princewill Eke requested a date for the commencement of the trial.
Defence lawyer M. A. Oloniruka informed the court that he had submitted a bail application shortly before the session began. However, the judge indicated that the application was not yet in the court’s file and therefore could not be heard. Oloniruka’s request to apply orally for bail was also denied, as Justice Nyako stated that all applications must be formal and in writing.
“This matter is adjourned until October 9 for trial. The defendant should be remanded in Suleja correctional centre,” Justice Nyako announced.
In the first count, Olagunju is accused of obtaining N12.4 million from various Nigerians, including Billi Haruna Bwala, between 2010 and 2023, under the false claim that she could secure them employment with the NSCDC. This act is punishable under Section 1(1)(c) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of 2006.
Count two alleges that Olagunju conspired with others to commit an offense of criminal conspiracy from 2020 to 2023.
Count three claims that she dishonestly converted N12.4 million to her own use, breaching her duty as someone entrusted with securing employment for Nigerians with the NSCDC.
The fourth count states that Olagunju fraudulently induced Nigerians to part with N12.4 million between 2010 and 2023, thereby committing an offense contrary to Section 320 and punishable under Section 322 of the Penal Code Act of 2004.
