NAN-H-12
Businessman
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, Oct. 21, 2016 (NAN) A businessman, Ayodele Alo, who allegedly stole N1.8million belonging to Manifield Solicitors, is facing trial at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.
A resident of No. 24, Ifelodun, Ifako in Gbagada area of Lagos, the accused is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
Alo, who introduced himself to the complainant (names withheld) representing Manifield Solicitors as a staff of Land Services at Lagos State Government Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, however, pleaded not guilty.
But the prosecutor, Insp. Ezekiel Ayorinde, told the court that the accused committed the offences with others still at large between May 2015 and Oct. 2015 at the State Ministry of Lands.
According to Ayorinde, the accused conspired to steal N1.8 million belonging to Manifield solicitors.
“Alo was given N900.000 bank draft meant for Lagos State stamp duties and N1.8 million Sterling Bank teller for submission at the Ministry of Lands
“The accused went back to the bank, withdrew the N1.8million and converted to personal use.’’
Ayorinde alleged that the accused also issued Ojo a fake bank draft.
He said since Alo had been on the run, all efforts to reach him proved abortive until he was recently apprehended at Alausa Mini- Market.
The offenses contravened Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 prescribes three years imprisonment for offenders.
A bail of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum was granted the accused, while the Chief Magistrate, Mrs Omolade Awope, adjourned the case to Nov. 16 for mention.(NAN)
LAW/DA
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Edited by Dele Akinsola