Date: 2014-04-21

A former  Special Adviser to the Kwara State Government on Local Government Affairs, John Okadare, 52, was on Wednesday arraigned before an Ilorin Magistrate’s Court for allegedly extorting N8, 800, 000 from intending pilgrims under false pretext to register them for 2013 hajj.

The prosecutor, Inspector Godwin Azua informed the court that the accused fraudulently collected the money from several intending pilgrims sometimes in April 2013.

He added that the accused converted the money to his own use and all efforts to retrieve the money proved abortive.

The prosecutor said that the accused was arraigned on a one-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence contrary to Section 1(3) of the advance fee fraud and other fraud related offences Act 2004.

He objected to the bail application of the accused on ground that the alleged offences were not ordinarily bail-able.

Magistrate Mariam Lawal refused the plea of the accused, saying that she has no jurisdiction over his case.

She granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned to May 5, for mention.