An 85-year-old retired civil servant, Mrs.Mrs. Bolaji Rachael Fadele, has poured out her anger and frustration as N1 million was allegedly taken from her bank account.
She said yesterday on the premises of an Ondo State Magistrate’s Court in Akure, where a man suspected to have stolen the money was arraigned by the Nigeria and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Fadele said the money was meant for her burial ceremony, as she had no surviving child to plan her funeral.
Fadele said she worked and retired as a civil servant in Oyo State, but had to return to Ondo State after the death of her only child.
“I was saving the money for my feeding and also for my burial ceremony. I have no children, and I do not want any relatives to carry the burden of my funeral when I die. I am 85 and I do not know when I will die.”
Narrating how the money was stolen from her account in October 2022, Fadele said after responding to some questions during a phone call from someone, who claimed to be from her bank, about N1 million was withdrawn from her account.
Following an investigation after she reported the incident to operatives of the NSCDC, it was revealed that the money was transferred to an Opay account belonging to one Emmanuel Nwankpa.
Investigation further revealed that it was Nwakpa’s phone line that was used to call the victim, after the suspect was apprehended and his bank account blocked.
However, the suspect, who was arraigned on two-count charges of fraudulent stealing, pleaded not guilty to the crime.
His lawyer, Mr. A. Y. Aloyu told the court that his client was ready for an out-of-court settlement, but the prosecuting counsel, Mr. David Ebriku, informed the court that the suspect would be prosecuted even if he paid the money.
Ebriku told the court he would call three witnesses to testify in the case.
The Magistrate, T.N. Aladejana, granted the accused bail in the sum of N1 million and two sureties in like sum, and subsequently adjourned the matter to March 16, 2023, for hearing.
With The Guardian report
