The Magistrate, Mr Banji Ayeomoni, ordered that the defendant be remanded until March 29 for further investigation, and hearing of bail application.

The defendant of no fixed address had pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of advance free fraud and collecting money under false pretence levelled against him.

The prosecutor, Insp. Zedekiah Orogbemi, had told the court that Afunaya, on Feb. 4, around 9:30 a.m. at No. 2, Ikumawoyi St., Ode-Aye, defrauded one Godfrey Alehen under false pretence of supplying him rubber lumps.

Orogbemi said that the accused knowing that he would not supply the lumps, absconded after collecting the money until he was apprehended by the police.

The prosecutor said that the offences were contrary and punishable under Sections 419 and 390 (9), Criminal Code, Cap.37, Vol.1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.