[p]Ukanwa Ikechukwu, who is currently serving in Oyo State as a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), appeared in court before the Iyaganku Magistrate’s Court over allegations of defrauding a police officer of the sum of N235,000. The police charged Ukanwa with false pretence and theft, although the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to the Prosecution Counsel, Insp Olufemi Omilana, Ukanwa allegedly obtained the sum from ACP Modupe Okpaleke on December 4, 2022, with the intention of defrauding her. Ukanwa, who studied physiotherapy and was attached to the Police Cottage Hospital in Eleyele, Ibadan, collected the money from Okpaleke and dishonestly converted it to his own use.
The police alleged that Ukanwa recommended that Okpaleke purchase a bicycle when she sought medical solutions to her leg problem at the hospital. This alleged offense is said to violate the provisions of sections 390 (9) and 419 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.
The presiding Magistrate, M. I. Giwa-Babalola, granted Ukanwa bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the matter till May 25 for a hearing.
