LAGOS – A 65-year-old community leader, Wasiu Mayegun, was on Monday docked before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over an alleged N7.5 million fraud.
Mayegun, who resides at Mayegun village, Eti-Osa area of Lagos, is standing trial on a six-count charge of conspiracy, fraud, stealing and cause of breach of public peace.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Innocent Odugbo, told the court that the accused committed the offences between April 5, 2013 and November 2014, at Mayegun town, Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.
Odugbo alleged that the accused conspired with others now at large to obtain N7.5 million from one Otunba Semiu Bakinson, under the pretext of selling a plot of land at Mayegun to him.
He said that the accused knew that the presentation was false.
Odugbo also said the accused forcefully entered one plot of land at Mayegun town, and damaged the fence, valued N500, 000, belonging to one Mr Alex Eyitene.
He said that the accused stole an Iron gate valued at N100, 000, also belonging to Eyitene.
Odugbo said that the offences contravened Sections 52, 116 (d), 285, 312 (1), 348 and 409 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 312, provides that any person who by any false pretences and with intent to defraud, obtains from any other person, is liable to 15 years imprisonment.
However, the Magistrate, Mrs L. M. Balogun, admitted the accused to N500, 000 bail following the defense counsel’s submission that bail should be granted to the accused on liberal terms.
Balogun also granted the accused two sureties in like sum.
She said that one of the sureties must be a community leader in Lagos and adjourned the case till Jan. 28, for mention. (NAN)