Man docked for alleged N290, 000 fraud
NAN-H-58
Fraud
By Vivan Ibobo
Lagos, March 22, 2017 (NAN) A 41-year-old man, Francis Uyanwune, who claimed to be a lawyer was on Wednesday arraigned in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for alleged N290,000 fraud.
Uyanwune, allegedly collected the money to facilitate the release of the complainant’s bother, who is in EFCC’s custody.
Uyanwune of no fixed address, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of stealing and fraud.
The prosecutor, Insp. Edet Akadu, told the court that the defendant and others still at large, committed the offences on Feb. 26 at Ijeshatedo , a suburb of Lagos.
Akadu said that the complainant, John Ogbuka , gave N290, 000 to the accused, who claimed to be a lawyer, to secure bail of his brother who is in EFCC custody.
“The accused fraudulently collected the money, but failed to bail Ogbuka’s brother in EFCC custody as agreed.
“The complainant reported the case to the police and the accused was immediately apprehended,” he said.
According to the prosecutor, investigation reveals that the accused was not trained as a lawyer.
The offences contravened Sections 285 and 312 Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Section 285 stipulates three-year jail term for stealing, while Section 312 provides 15 years imprisonment for fraud.
The Magistrate, E.O. Ogunkanmi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000, with two sureties in like sum.
“The sureties must be gainfully employed and must also show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government,” the magistrate said.
The case was adjourned till April 20 for mention. (NAN)
IZU/MA/OU
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Edited by Obike Ukoh
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