18th June, 2014
Paul Iyoghojie
Operatives of the zone II command, Onikan, Lagos State, western Nigeria, have arrested an Islamic scholar, Alfa Jamiu Alao, 45, for allegedly giving a substance suspected to be acid to his clients, King David Orji and Raimi Oluwaseyi, to drink after allegedly obtaining the sum of N3 million and $116,000 USD from them to assist them with spiritual protection, a claim nigeria the police said he knew to be false.
The police alleged that after the duo allegedly drank the substance, they reportedly collapsed and were rushed to the hospital for treatment. When the condition of one of them became critical, he was flown abroad for further medical attention.
After investigation by Inspector Nosa Izevbizua and team, the suspect was charged before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos on a four-count charge of felony, to wit; obtaining money under false pretence and administering substance suspected to be acid on his victims.
The police prosecutor, Inspector Marcus Okon, told the court in charge No.E/12/2014 that the accused committed the offence in April, 2014 at Mayfair Estate, Ajah, Lagos and on 8 April, 2014 at Ijabi Quarters, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. He said the accused introduced himself as a spiritualist to the complainant, and that he could provide spiritual protection for them and their family. He allegedly collected N3m from Raimi Oluwaseyi and $116,000USD from King David Orji.
Okon said instead of fulfilling his promise, the accused gave a substance suspected to be acid for the complainant. He said after they drank the substance, they collapsed and were rushed to a hospital in Nigeria and abroad, where they are still receiving treatment. Okon noted that the offences the accused committed are punishable under sections 409, 312(B) and 228 of the criminal laws of Lagos state, 2011.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and magistrate Mrs. Olanipekun admitted him on bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum. She adjourned the matter until 30 June, 2014 for mention.