By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, for NAN
IBADAN – A 32-year-old woman, Zainab Adenike, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, facing charges of obtaining valuable gold jewellery under false pretences and theft, in a case that highlights the risks within informal precious metal transactions.
The defendant, whose residential address was not disclosed in court records, pleaded not guilty to the charges read against her.
The prosecutor, Sergeant Samuel Owolabi, outlined a sequence of alleged offences dating back to October 27, 2025, at the bustling Oranyan market in Ibadan—a known hub for gold and jewellery trading. The charges provide a window into a specific type of financial fraud, often termed “advanced fee fraud” in the context of goods, where payment is promised but never materializes.
Details of the Allegations:
According to the prosecution, Adenike’s alleged scheme targeted two separate individuals. She is accused of obtaining 13.9 grams of gold jewellery from a Mrs. Tawa Sanusi, with a promise to pay N2.2 million. In a second, larger alleged transaction, she reportedly obtained 48.5 grams of gold from one Adeola Adewale, promising a sum of N7.6 million. In both instances, the prosecution asserts she “made away with the gold without paying both complainants.” The total promised payment amounts to nearly N9.8 million, underscoring the significant value of the items involved.
The Legal Framework:
The charges are brought under Sections 390(9) and 419 of the Criminal Law of Oyo State, 2000. It is instructive to understand what these laws entail:
- Section 419: This is the famous “Obtaining by False Pretences” statute. It criminalizes the act of defrauding any person by pretending or using any other trick to obtain property. A conviction can carry a significant prison sentence.
- Section 390(9): This pertains to the offence of stealing. The specific subsection details punishments based on the value or nature of the property stolen, with higher-value thefts attracting more severe penalties.
The combination of charges suggests the prosecution is arguing both that a deception was used to obtain the goods (419) and that the act constitutes theft (390).
Court Proceedings and Next Steps:
Presiding Magistrate Mrs. Gladys Oladele granted the defendant bail in the sum of two million naira. The bail condition requires two sureties who must each be bonded for the same amount. Such sureties are typically expected to be property owners within the court’s jurisdiction, a common requirement to ensure the defendant returns for trial.
The case has been adjourned until February 4, 2026, for hearing. This several-week interval is standard, allowing time for both the prosecution and the defence to prepare their arguments, gather evidence, and possibly explore plea negotiations.
Context and Bro Implications:
Cases like this serve as a critical reminder of the vulnerabilities in high-value, informal market transactions, especially involving portable and easily convertible assets like gold. They highlight the importance of due diligence, secure payment methods, and formalized receipts in trade. For the judiciary, it represents another case in the ongoing effort to address fraud and bolster confidence in commercial exchanges within the state.
The plea of “not guilty” sets the stage for a contested trial, where the prosecution will bear the burden of proving the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. The outcome will hinge on evidence such as witness testimonies from the complainants, any documented agreements, communication records, and potentially the recovery of the gold or its traced proceeds.
This report is based on proceedings from the Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court. All accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Sandra Umeh
