NAN-H-10
Businessman
By Deborah Akpede
Lagos, June 5, 2017 (NAN) A 49-year-old businessman, Wasiu Alobanle who allegedly defrauded a man of N1.8 million on the pretext of clearing a container, was on Monday in Lagos released on a bail of N1 million.
The accused, a resident of Alagbole area of Lagos, is standing trial on charges of conspiracy, fraud and stealing.
He, however, entered a `not-guilty’ plea.
An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court which gave the ruling, also asked the accused to produce two sureties as part of the bail condition.
The Magistrate, Mr I.M. Dan-Oni, said the sureties must be gainfully employed and should show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
Earlier, the Police Prosecutor, Insp. Essien Ndarake, told the court that the accused committed the offences sometime in May at Ikeja Airport.
According to him, the accused with another man still at large conspired to defraud the complainant, Mr John Alada of N1.8 million.
“The accused obtained N1.8 million from the complainant on the pretext that he would use the money to clear a container at the Nigeria Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO).”
Ndarake said the accused called the complainant through a friend, who is still at large that he has sent a container through the airport from Turkey.
“The accused pleaded with him to give him N1.8 million to clear the container to settle him later.
“The complainant later discovered that he had been duped and that there was no consignment to be cleared at the airport.”
The offences contravened Sections 287, 314 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015(Revised).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 314 prescribes 15 years jail term for obtaining money under false pretences.
The case was adjourned until June 15 for mention. (NAN)
DOA/DA
Editing by Dele Akinsola