NAN-H-36
Fraud
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, Oct. 21, 2016 (NAN) A caretaker, Lucky Abode, who allegedly obtained N10.18 million under false pretence, was on Wednesday arraigned at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.
Abode, of No. 28, Bayo Akunleyan Str., Owutu area of Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of fraud and stealing.
The accused was employed by the complainant, one Kalif Keshiro to manage and take care of his properties.
The prosecutor, Insp. Ezekiel Ayorinde, told the court that the accused defrauded the complainant of N10.18 million
“Abode was given the said amount to purchase plots of land in various locations through the Lagos State Government at Alausa Secretariat Ikeja, Lagos.
“The accused issued Keshiro fake documents and receipts on all the properties; he also received money for approval and tax clearance on property been developed which he never delivered,’’ Ayorinde said.
He said that the complainant was dismayed on returning from United States of America where he had been and discovered the documents were fake.
“Keshiro went to Ministry of Lands, Alausa, Ikeja to verify the authenticity of the documents and realised they were all fake,” he said.
The prosecutor said that the accused committed the offences sometimes in July 2015 at LSDPC Housing Estate, Ogba, Lagos.
He said that accused was later apprehended by the police.
Abode, however, pleaded not guilty.
The offences contravened Sections 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 prescribes three years imprisonment for offenders.
The Chief Magistrate, Omolade Awope, granted the accused N2. 5 million bail with two sureties in like sum.
Awope, adjourned the case to Dec. 2, for mention. (NAN)
LAW/DEB/MZA
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Edited by Debo Oshundun/Maharazu Ahmed