A 31-year-old married woman, Ajayi Esther, was arraigned on February 4 before the Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly refusing to marry a man after accepting N607,500 from him.
Esther faces three charges: fraud, impersonation, and breach of peace. Prosecutor Insp. Sodiq Adeniyi informed the court that the offences occurred in Ado-Ekiti. He explained that Esther deceived the complainant, Ajayi Oluwabusuyi, by claiming she was single. Under the pretense of agreeing to marry him, she collected N607,500 from him for their engagement preparations but failed to follow through.
Adeniyi further alleged that Esther falsely presented herself as a teacher at Egiri Oke Comprehensive School in Iyin-Ekiti, located in the Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State. He also stated that her actions were likely to cause a breach of peace. The charges contravene Sections 186, 393, and 181(1)(d) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
The prosecutor requested an adjournment to review the case file and gather witnesses. When the charges were read, Esther pleaded not guilty. Her lawyer, Mrs. Joy Raphael, requested bail, assuring the court that Esther would not flee.
Chief Magistrate Dolamu Babalogbon granted bail to Esther in the amount of N50,000 with one surety in a like sum. The case was adjourned until March 5 for hearing.
