A 41-year-old woman, Adenike Salami, was arraigned on Friday before the Ebute-Metta Magistrate Court in Lagos State on charges of forging an airline ticket and fraudulently obtaining $2,500.

Salami, who appeared before Magistrate Waliu Salami, is facing three counts of conspiracy, fraud, and forgery, brought against her by the police.

The prosecutor informed the court that the defendant, along with others who are still at large, conspired to commit the alleged offences.

“The defendant, Adenike Salami, and her accomplices fraudulently conspired to forge an airline ticket, which they used to deceive and defraud the victim,” the prosecutor stated.

According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on June 27, 2024, around 7:20 PM at No. 26, Olomowewe Street, Mushin, Lagos.

Salami was accused of obtaining $2,500, equivalent to approximately N4.5 m, under false pretences.

The court heard that Salami allegedly processed a fake Taag-Linhas Airline ticket without any authorisation, knowing the document was forged.

She then used the counterfeit ticket to deceive and obtain money from one Catherine Mbaku, who had intended to purchase an airline ticket to Bolivia.

“The defendant knowingly induced the complainant, Catherine Mbaku, to part with $2,500 by falsely promising to procure an airline ticket, which was forged,” the prosecutor added.

According to the charges, the offences committed by Salami are contrary to Sections 406, 411, and punishable under Sections 370(1)(2), and 314(1)(a)(b)(2)(3) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

Salami, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The magistrate granted her bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum.

“The sureties must provide evidence of livelihood, proof of tax payment to the Lagos State Government, and have their addresses verified,” the magistrate ordered.

The case has been adjourned until September 20, 2024, for mention.

PUNCH