People are falling prey to fake healing powers or herbs promoted by pastors, imams or herbalists. Rather than seek medical care and treatment in the hands of certified medical professionals and hospitals, the quest for miracle cure kept leading many astray as a man, Adeniyi Adewunmi, who allegedly obtained N190 million from a businessman to cure his diabetes, asthma and spiritual attack is being arraigned on a four-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and stealing.
Adeniyi, 43, of Ajao Estate, Oshodi, is standing trial before Chief Magistrate F.O. Botoku.
According to Prosecuting Sergeant, Friday Mameh, the defendant and his alleged accomplices committed the offences between February 2016 and January this year, at Ajao Estate.
Mameh said: “The defendant and others still at large approached the complainant, Mr. Lawrence Akanbi, and told him he was suffering from diabetes, asthma and spiritual attack. The complainant believed them because those were the ailments he was suffering from. The defendants then persuaded the complainant that they could cure his ailments with herbs for a fee.”
The fraudsters obtained a total of N190 million, yet the complainant’s condition did not improve. When they sensed that the complainant was becoming suspicious, the defendant and his accomplices disappeared.
Sometime last week, the defendant returned to the complainant to request for more money, but Akanbi grabbed him and raised the alarm following which the police was called. The claimant was absent in court yesterday.
Mameh told the court that the offences contravened Sections 287, 314 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. The defendant pleaded not guilty.
Chief Magistrate Botoku granted him N20 million bail with two sureties in the like sum. She remanded Adewunmi in prison custody pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions. The case continues on February 12.
