A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has granted bail to Israel Daniel Onen, who is facing trial for allegedly defrauding a victim of N60 million through a fake visa procurement scheme.
The defendant was arraigned on Monday by the Zone 2 Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) before Justice Ibrahim Ahmad Kala.
Onen, who pleaded not guilty to multiple charges including conspiracy, visa racketeering, fraud, and money laundering, was admitted to bail under stringent conditions that mirror the amount he allegedly defrauded from his victim.
According to the prosecution, the defendant perpetrated the alleged fraud between 2024 and 2025 within Lagos State.
The police told the court that Onen conspired with other individuals currently at large to execute an elaborate scheme targeting Nigerians seeking international travel opportunities.
The centrepiece of the allegations involves Akinola Ayodele Emmanuel, who allegedly paid N60 million to the defendant based on promises that visas to Ireland and Schengen countries would be secured for Emmanuel's clients.
The prosecution maintained that Onen's representations were entirely false, adding that no visas were ever obtained, and the substantial sum was never refunded despite repeated demands.
The police characterised the defendant's actions as a calculated deception designed to exploit individuals seeking legitimate pathways to European destinations.
Beyond the initial fraud, the prosecution accused Onen of engaging in money laundering activities. According to the charges, the defendant converted and transferred the N60 million, knowing or having reasonable grounds to believe that the funds represented proceeds from unlawful activity.
The prosecution cited violations of Section 1(1)(c) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, which specifically targets schemes where money is obtained through false promises.
Additionally, the defendant faces charges under Section 18(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, reflecting the government's enhanced legal framework for combating financial crimes.
The prosecution also invoked Sections 383(1) and 390(9) of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which address theft and related offences.
When the charges were read in court, Onen firmly denied all allegations. His counsel, O. Ogu, immediately informed Justice Kala that a bail application had been prepared and served on the prosecution before the arraignment.
The defence lawyer urged the court to exercise judicial discretion favourably by granting bail on liberal terms.
He assured the court that his client was prepared to stand trial and would neither interfere with the investigation nor attempt to evade justice.
The prosecution contested the bail application, requesting that the defendant remain in police custody at Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos.
The prosecutor revealed that this position was informed by several complaints allegedly received against Onen from other members of the public.
After hearing both sides, Justice Kala granted bail but attached conditions designed to ensure the defendant's appearance at trial.
The bail was set at N60 million, precisely matching the amount allegedly stolen, with one surety required to provide an equivalent sum.
The court specified that the surety must be either a civil servant of Grade Level 13 or higher or a property owner with a verifiable land valuation of at least N60 million.
Both the defendant and surety must submit two recent passport photographs, along with comprehensive financial information including bank account details, National Identification Numbers (NIN), Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), and active phone numbers linked to their accounts.
Justice Kala further directed that court registrars and the prosecutor must jointly verify all bail documentation before release can be authorised.
The case has been adjourned to February 12, 2025, for trial commencement.
Until Onen satisfies the bail requirements, he will remain in custody at Zone 2 Command, Onikan.
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