By Teniola Ibitola
Lagos – A 33-year-old businesswoman, Margret Mpanam, charged with N3.5 million kerosene fraud, on Monday appeared in an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
Mpanam is facing a two-count charge of obtaining under false pretences and stealing to which she pleaded not guilty.
Police Prosecutor Chinalu Uwadione had told the court that the accused committed the offences on Feb. 25, 2015 in Akoka area of Lagos.
He alleged that the accused obtained N3.5 million from a pastor, Gbenga Ayegbusi, on the pretext of supplying to him kerosene by taking the commodity from Warri to Benin.
“The accused collected the sum of N3.5 million from the complainant, promising that she will supply kerosene worth the sum.
“She , however, absconded with the money,” he said.
The offences contravened Sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 stipulates three years imprisonment for stealing, while Section 314 prescribes a penalty of 15 years for false pretences.
In her ruling, the Magistrate, Mrs A.S. Okubule, granted the woman bail in the sum of N500,000 with two responsible and gainfully employed sureties.
She adjourned the case until Nov. 20.