Nairobi lawyer among two charged with defrauding Ksh.35M in fake business deal

A Nairobi lawyer, Alphonce Collins Odoyo Osewe, and his co-accused, Patroba Odhiambo Tobias, alias “Ishmael,” have been charged in court over allegations of defrauding two individuals of Ksh.35 million.

The duo is accused of falsely claiming they could sell 400 kilograms of gold bars, thereby obtaining USD 260,400 (approximately Ksh.35.7 million) from one of the complainants.

Lawyer Sewe did not appear in court after his defense team informed Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina that he had been hospitalised at Aga Khan Hospital and was therefore unable to attend plea taking.

His co-accused, Tobias, appeared before the magistrate and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecution sought more time to file an affidavit opposing his release on bail, citing the seriousness of the offenses.

Chief Magistrate Onyina granted the prosecution until tomorrow to file the application, and Tobias was remanded at the Capital Hill Police Station.

The two face six counts, including obtaining money by false pretenses and acquiring proceeds of crime. They are accused of receiving Ksh 35.7 million from Aete and an additional Ksh.26.1 million from another complainant, knowing or having reason to believe the funds were obtained through fraudulent means.

The case was adjourned to allow the prosecution to file its affidavit on the bail application.