A travel agent, James Anthony, 40, was arraigned on Friday before the Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan on charges relating to a N2.5 million visa fraud.

Mr. Anthony was formally charged with obtaining money under false pretences and stealing, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Adeshina Folaranmi, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offence sometime in October 2024 at Dugbe, Ibadan.

Mr. Folaranmi alleged that the defendant obtained the sum of N2.5 million from one Chinaemerem Unaegbu on the pretext of procuring a Mauritius visa for her. He added that Mr. Anthony failed to procure the promised visa and instead converted the money to his personal use.

The prosecutor further noted that the offences contravened Sections 390(9) and 419 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

Following the charges, the magistrate, Oluwabusayo Osho, granted the defendant bail of N1 million with two reliable sureties in like sum. She subsequently adjourned the case until January 14, 2026, for a hearing.