71-year-old Man Goes on Trial for Duping Redeemed Christian Church of God

Adewale Murtala, a Septuagenarian, has been arraigned in court.

The man on Friday was made to appear before an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court for allegedly duping the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Osun province 1, N1.6 million.

According to The Punch, Murtala, a 71-year-old man is facing a two-count of fraud and stealing.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Taiwo Adegoke, told the court that septuagenarian committed the offence sometimes in Feb. 2012 at about 12.45 p.m at Temidire Estate, Osogbo.

Adegoke said the accused fraudulently obtained N1.6 million from Pastor Alade Samuel of the church in an attempt to sell a piece of land to him meant for the church, knowing it to be fake.

He said the plot of land belonged to another person before the pastor was duped and N1.6 million collected from him.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened sections 419 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code cap 34 vol.11 laws of Osun, 2003.

Murtala pleaded not guilt to the charge, and his Counsel, Mrs. Oketade Olufunke, prayed the court to grant her client bail in the most liberal terms.

The Magistrate, Mrs. Halimatu Bashiru, granted bail to the septuagenarian in the sum of N500,000 and two sureties in like sum.

Bashiru said the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, attach an affidavit of means and evidence of tax payment.

She said the sureties must also produce two passport sized photographs, and adjourned the case till Dec. 21 for hearing.