Court Arraigns Cleric Over N352,000 “Special Prayer” Fraud

By Felix Kuyinu

A clergyman, David Eludi is facing trial for allegedly swindling a woman in the sum of N352,000 under false pretence of deliverance through a special prayer.

Eludi, 44, was dragged before a Magistrates’ Court in Ojo Lagos on a three-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining by false false pretences and stealing which he pleaded not guilty of.

The prosecutor, Simon Uche, informed the court that the offense was committed in November at Jakande area of Ajangbadi in Ojo.

Uche said that the litigant conspired with others, now at large, to collect N352,000 from one Florence Samuel, with a promise to use the funds to liberate her from family curses.

He further disclosed that Eludi converted the funds to personal use, making the representation deceitful as he failed to embark on any family liberation.

Uche told the sitting that such act is an offense that contravenes sections 287, 314 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Magistrate Kayode Layeni, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000, with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case till January 12, 2024 for mention.