Babafemi Ogundele, 38, was arraigned in Ibadan for defrauding Jacob Joshua of $10,000 to facilitate a U.S. travel visa. Ogundele, posing as a medical doctor, used the money for gambling and threatened Joshua when demanded a refund. He was granted bail pending further court proceedings in 2025.
A 38-year-old man, Babafemi Ogundele, was arraigned before Iyaganku Chief Magistrates' Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, for defrauding Jacob Joshua of $10,000 (approximately N15 million). Joshua had given Ogundele the money to facilitate a "proof of funds" for his planned travel to the United States.
Ogundele is facing charges of obtaining money under pretenses, stealing, impersonation, and making threats to Joshua's life. The prosecutor, Mr. Akeem Akinloye, informed the court that Ogundele falsely presented himself as a medical doctor to Joshua to deceive him. After Joshua demanded a refund, Ogundele allegedly threatened his life and squandered the $10,000 on gambling.
The charges contravene several sections of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000. Despite the gravity of the charges, Ogundele pleaded not guilty. Chief Magistrate Mrs. Olabisi Ogunkanmi granted him bail in the sum of N7.5 million, with two sureties of similar financial standing. One of the sureties must own property within the court's jurisdiction, and the other must be a blood relative of the defendant.
The court adjourned the matter to May 8, 2025, for further proceedings.
