Patroba Odhiambo Tobias, also known as Ishmael, has been brought before the court in connection with an alleged Sh61 million gold fraud scheme, while his co-accused, High Court advocate Alphonce Collins Odoyo Osewe, failed to appear.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!During the court session, the prosecution informed the court that Osewe was unable to attend because he is reportedly unwell and currently admitted to the hospital. His absence led to a postponement of his plea taking.
According to court documents, Tobias and Osewe are jointly accused of fraudulently obtaining USD 260,400 (approximately Sh35.7 million) from Bernard Shiaundu Aete. The prosecution claims the two falsely represented that they were in a position to sell 400 kilograms of gold bars, despite knowing that the claim was not true.
Osewe is facing an additional charge in which he is accused of separately obtaining Sh26.1 million from Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. It is alleged that he used similar false representations, claiming he could supply 400 kilograms of gold bars when he could not.
The suspects are also charged with multiple counts related to the acquisition and use of proceeds of crime. Prosecutors allege that the offenses were committed on various dates between May 1 and May 9, 2023, within Nairobi.
Tobias denied all the charges when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Lukas Onyina.
The court allowed the prosecution’s request to argue the bail and bond application on September 23, 2025. On the same date, Osewe was ordered to present medical documents to support his request for deferred plea taking, after which the court will determine the way forward.
