NAN-H-11
Fraudster
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, Oct. 21, 2016 (NAN) A suspected fraudster, Churchheal Ekenta, who claimed to be an agent of Diamond Bank, on Friday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over an alleged N120,000 fraud.
The accused, 36, resides at Block 123, Jos Road, Langtan, Plateau, is facing a two-count charge of obtaining money under false pretences and stealing.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Babaji Ishaku, told the court that the crime was committed between Oct. 3 and 7 at Diamond Bank premises at Alaguntan Street in Alimosho area of Lagos, a suburb.
Ishaku said the complainant, Mrs Alao Adeseke and three others met the accused, who introduced himself as an agent of Diamond Bank Yellow Account.
“The accused collected N120,000 from them with the promise of securing a loan of N1million for them.
“All efforts by the complainant to reach Ekanta afterwards proved abortive as his phone was switched off.
“However, the complainant later discovered that the accused was a fraudster and lodged a report to the police.”
The offences contravened Sections 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 prescribes a three-year imprisonment for stealing, while Section 312 stipulates 15 years imprisonment.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.
The Senior Magistrate, Mr. J.A. Adegun, granted the accused bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum.
He said the sureties must show evidence of three years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government and be resident in Lagos.
He adjourned the case to Oct. 24 for mention. (NAN)
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Edited by Dele Akinsola