LAGOS – A 36-year-old businessman, Obinna Okafor, who allegedly obtained N5.6 million under false pretences, on Friday appeared before an Apapa Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
The accused, who resides at Ijora-Badia area of Apapa, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and obtaining money under false pretences.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Festus Osaghale, told the court that the accused conspired with others still at large to defraud one Umar Kalgo of N5.6 million.
Osaghale said the accused collected the money on the pretext of clearing two containers belonging to the complainant (Kalgo).
“The accused neither cleared the containers as promised nor refunded the money to the complainant.”
According to him, the accused committed the offences on June 3, 2013 at Tin Can Island, Apapa.
The offences, Osaghale noted, contravened Sections 285, 312 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Section 312 prescribes a 15- year imprisonment for false pretences, while Section 285 stipulates a three-year jail term for stealing.
Section 409 provides a two-year sentence for conspiracy.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr P.A. Ojo, granted him bail in the sum of N500, 000, with two sureties in like sum.
Further hearing in the case has been fixed for June 26. (NAN)