An Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday, sentenced two travel agents to five years imprisonment for engaging in visa fraud.
The police charged Oyeronke Gbadamosi, 28; and Muritala Bello, 42; with conspiracy, fraud and theft.
Magistrate Mercy Amole-Ajimoti held that Oyeronke and Bello were guilty of defrauding Yusuf Aliu and 197 other victims of the sum of N21.5 million.
The magistrate did not give the convicts an option of fine but ordered them to restitute N5million each as compensation to the victims.
Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Sgt. Phillip Amusan, told the court that the convicts, between January 8 and March 24, 2018, in Oje market, Ibadan, obtained the sum of N21.5million from Aliu and 197 other victims to procure for them visa and tickets to Malta.
He said that the convicts worked with T. R Villa Travel Services Limited with RC Number Bn 2552205 which is situated in Oje market, Ibadan.
The offence contravened the provisions of Section 383, punishable under Section 390(9), 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Volume II, Laws of Oyo State 2000.
(NAN).
