Court Arraigns Travel Agent over Alleged N20m Travel Fraud in Ondo

A 49-year-old travel agent, Akintunde Lamidi Ayinla, has been arraigned before an Akure Chief Magistrate’s Court over allegations of defrauding a client of 20 million naira under the guise of facilitating overseas travel arrangements.

Ayinla was brought before the court on a three-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, fraudulent conversion and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

The prosecutor, Adebayo Suleiman, told the court that the alleged offences were committed in July 2025 within the Akure Magisterial District of Ondo State.

According to the prosecution, the defendant collected 20 million naira from one Omole Temitope after allegedly assuring him that he would secure travel arrangements for him abroad, a representation the prosecution claimed was false.

Suleiman further alleged that Ayinla converted the money to personal use and failed to refund the sum despite reportedly promising to do so within six months.

The prosecutor argued that the defendant’s actions contravened Sections 419, 383 and 249(d) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

When the charges were read to him, Ayinla pleaded not guilty. His counsel, A. Sunday Micheal, subsequently urged the court to admit him to bail pending the determination of the case.

In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Damilola Sekoni granted the defendant bail in the sum of 10 million naira with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the matter until June 10, 2026, for further hearing.