LAGOS – A 59-year-old man, Festus Nwanga, on Wednesday appeared before an Itire Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, charged with obtaining spiritual products worth N390, 000 under false pretext.
Nwanga, who resides at No. 9, Agbor St., Olambe in Akute, near Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of obtaining by false pretence and stealing.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Ezekiel Ayorinde, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on May 13, 2013 at No. 6, Martin St., Mushin, Lagos.
Ayorinde said that the defendant fraudulently obtained the spiritual kits from one Abiodun Oloyede.
He said that the defendant falsely presented himself as a supplier of Golden Hindu Religious products and obtained products worth N720, 000.
The prosecutor said that among items collected were soaps, perfumes and incense.
Ayorinde said that the defendant obtained the products since May 2013 and paid only N330, 000 with a promise to pay up the balance in two weeks.
The prosecutor said that Nwanga, however, absconded after the initial payment and was only recently apprehended, following a tip-off when he was sighted at Mushin.
He said that the offences contravened Sections 312 and 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Section 312 prescribes 15 years imprisonment for anyone convicted of fraud.
The Magistrate, Mrs A.O. Gbajumo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case until July 7 for substantive trial. (NAN)
