By John Dike, Osogbo
An Osogbo magistrate’s Court sitting at Oke-Fia, has ordered the remand of 19-year-old Olaniyam Taoheed over allegations of defrauding a family of ₦326,000 through an online investment scam.
According to police prosecutors, he posed as an investor and lured a 16-year-old girl into transferring money to him repeatedly under the guise of a lucrative online investment.
Taoheed was arraigned on Monday on a two-count charge of obtaining money under false pretence and stealing, offences contrary to Sections 419 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 34 Vol. II, Laws of Osun State, 2003.
Inspector Adepoju Kayode, the prosecuting officer, told the court that the suspect acted with clear intent to defraud.
“The defendant fraudulently obtained the sum of ₦326,000 from the complainant’s family through deceitful online claims,” he said.
The complainant, Baruwa Augustine Oluwabukola, narrated how her daughter was approached via a school-related WhatsApp group.
Despite her warnings to block the suspect, the teenager initially transferred ₦2,000 from her personal account after being promised a return of ₦25,000.
The suspect allegedly convinced her to reinvest repeatedly, eventually draining ₦324,000 from her mother’s account in small amounts.
Inspector Adepoju noted that investigations confirmed the funds were received by the suspect, who exploited the teenager’s trust with false promises of quick profit.
During the proceedings, Taoheed admitted having refunded ₦200,000 of the money to the prosecutor for safekeeping and stated that part of the remaining funds had been spent on a smartphone.
Presiding Magistrate Dr. Olusegun Ayilara assured the complainant that efforts would be made to recover the remaining funds.
“The court will ensure that the complainant receives her money back as the case proceeds,” he said.
Dr. Ayilara faulted the teenager for engaging in quick-money schemes and advised parents to guide their children on responsible internet use.
He also condemned the suspect’s actions, emphasizing that fraudulent practices cannot replace hard work.
The magistrate ordered that Taoheed be remanded in a Correctional Centre and adjourned the case till February 19, 2026.
He further ruled that the accused must provide a surety with a three-year tax clearance, a valid identity card, and pay a bail sum of ₦500,000 to secure release.
