A Nairobi-based lawyer, Alphonce Collins Odoyo Osewe, and his associate, Patroba Odhiambo Tobias, popularly known as “Ishmael”, have been charged with defrauding two individuals of more than KSh 35 million in a fake gold deal.
The two are accused of convincing the complainants that they could sell 400 kilograms of gold bars, leading to the loss of USD 260,400 (about KSh 35.7 million) from one of the victims, identified as Bernard Shiaundu Aete.
The suspects are facing six counts, including obtaining money by false pretenses and acquiring proceeds of crime. Prosecutors allege that they received the funds while knowing, or having reason to believe, the money had been obtained fraudulently.
During the court session, lawyer Osewe failed to appear after his legal team informed Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina that he had been hospitalized at Aga Khan Hospital and was unable to attend the plea taking.
His co-accused, Tobias, appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to all charges. The prosecution, led by state counsel, requested more time to file an affidavit opposing his release on bail, arguing that the charges were serious and the investigations ongoing.
Magistrate Onyina granted the prosecution until tomorrow to file their application and ordered Tobias to be remanded at the Capital Hill Police Station pending further directions.
The case has drawn attention amid an increase in gold-related fraud cases in Nairobi, where unsuspecting investors have been lured into parting with millions in bogus mineral deals.
