Ekiti Court jail married woman for refusing to marry man after claiming to be single and collecting N607,500 from him

Ekiti Court jail married woman for refusing to marry man after claiming to be single and collecting N607,500 from him

A 31-year-old woman, Ajayi Esther, was arraigned on February 4 before the Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding a man by posing as a single woman, collecting N607,500 from him under the guise of preparing for their engagement, and ultimately refusing to marry him.

The accused is facing a three-count charge of fraud, impersonation, and breach of peace.

During the court proceedings, police prosecutor, Inspector Sodiq Adeniyi, informed the court that the alleged offences occurred on February 1 at around 10:00 a.m. in Ado-Ekiti.

According to the prosecutor, Ms. Esther deceived the complainant, Ajayi Oluwabusuyi, into believing she was single and ready to marry him. Based on this false claim, she collected N607,500 from him to prepare for their engagement ceremony. However, she later refused to follow through with the marriage plans.

In addition, Adeniyi revealed that the defendant had also falsely claimed to be a teacher at Egiri Oke Comprehensive School in Iyin-Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State. He added that her actions caused a disturbance that could breach public peace.

The prosecutor explained that the offences contravened Sections 186, 393, and 181(1)(d) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.

When the charges were read, Ms. Esther pleaded not guilty. Her legal counsel, Mrs. Joy Raphael, requested that the court grant her bail, assuring the court that the defendant would be available for subsequent court proceedings.

Presiding over the case, Chief Magistrate Dolamu Babalogbon granted Ms. Esther bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum. The case was adjourned until March 5 for further hearing.

As the case unfolds, it has drawn significant public interest, highlighting the increasing number of fraud-related incidents in personal relationships. The court will determine Ms. Esther’s culpability in the coming hearings.