An Ibadan Chief Magistrate Court has remanded Pastor Paul-Kayode Joash, a United Kingdom-based Nigerian cleric, at a correctional facility in Agodi, Ibadan, over alleged fraud running into N305 million.
The suspect, who pleaded not guilty, was arraigned on a 10-count charge bordering pretence to obtain money from unsuspecting victims.
He was alleged to have collected a huge sum from the three people.
The charge sheet showed that the fund was meant to procure work placement for those intending to migrate to the UK for healthcare jobs.
The cleric was arrested in his church in Ibadan by policemen following a report by the victims.
He was alleged to have charged between £3,500 and £5,500 per candidate but failed to provide the certificates after one year. He was said to have been sneaking in and out of Nigeria to escape those he allegedly defrauded.
He was alleged to have obtained a sum of N134,823,750 from a victim, N30 million from another, N135,177,750 from one, and N5,881,000 from another victim, totalling N305,882,500.
After taking his plea, Chief Magistrate M Mudashiru admitted him to N10 million bail with two sureties in like sum who must be gainfully employed and must be ready to deposit their international passports.
One of the sureties must also have property in Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan.
The Magistrate also added, ‘I am informed of the defendant’s medical condition. The jailor must ensure the defendant is taken to UCH, Ibadan, at every medical appointment date.
He adjourned the case till December 18 for mention.
Leave a Reply