NAN-H-15
Businessman
By Deborah Akpede
Lagos, Jan.8, 2018 (NAN) A 33-year-old businessman, Michael Ikechukwu, who allegedly absconded with N7million, being the proceeds from some goods was on Monday docked at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
The accused was arraigned before Magistrate O. J. Awope on a two-count charge of obtaining goods under false pretences and stealing.
Ikechukwu, who resides at Olodi Apapa, Lagos, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges and was admitted to a bail of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Awope said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government (LASG).
According to the prosecutor, ASP Ezekiel Ayorinde, the accused committed the offences on Dec. 10, 2016 at Oke-Ira, Ogba in Lagos State.
He said that the accused obtained 33,000 litres of diesel from FOFSAM Nigeria Ltd., under the pretences that he was going to supply it to a company.
Ayorinde said the accused supplied the goods but converted its proceeds to his own personal use.
“The accused sold the goods and absconded with the money to an unknown destination.
“Efforts made by the complainant to collect his money from the accused proved unsuccessful as the accused refused to pick his calls,” he said.
According to the prosecutor, the accused was later arrested after a year of his disappearance but could not provide the money.
“When the accused could not provide the money after the arrest, he was handed over to the police,” Ayorinde said.
The offences contravened Sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015(Revised).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 314 stipulates 15 years’ imprisonment for obtaining goods under false pretences.
The case was adjourned until Jan. 29 for mention. (NAN)
DOA/ENN/PAD
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Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Peter Dada