Ondo South Senatorial District leader Dr. Taiwo Malumi was yesterday arraigned at the Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged N40million fraud.
The All Progressive Congress (APC) chief was accused of fraudulent obtaining the money from Managing Director of Whitehall Management Limited, Mr. Nick Shaiyen, in the guise of selling a property to him.
The Police Special Fraud Unit (SFU) said Malumi claimed to have sold a property known as Unit B9, Funtai Court, 3, Ruxton Road, Ikoyi to the complainant.
According to the prosecution, the defendant’s claim that the property was “free from all encumbrances” was false, contrary to Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act 2016.
Malumi pleaded not guilty to the charge.
His lawyer Olumide Esan said he filed a bail application on his client’s behalf, but prosecution counsel Ekong Sunday said he needed time to respond.
Justice Abdulazeez Anka ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody.
He adjourned until October 6 for hearing. The Nation