Lagos – A transporter, Stephen Mensah, who allegedly obtained N150,000 on the pretext of assisting a woman to buy a truck, was on Wednesday docked at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.
A resident of Iyana Ogunrinde, off Koka Bus Stop, Lagos, Mensah, 49, is facing a two-count charge of obtaining money under false pretences and stealing.
According to the prosecutor, Sgt. Matthew Akhalhode, the accused committed the offences on Aug. 20, 2015 at No.10, Alimat St., Oke-Odo, in Agege area of Lagos.
Akhalhode said Mensah collected N150,000 from Mrs Toyin Ajimuda with a promise to assist her to buy a truck.
Instead of buying the truck, the accused converted the money to personal use, he told the court.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
“When Ajimuda did not get any feedback regarding the truck, she decided to ask for a refund. The complainant said the accused refused to refund her money.
“The complainant reported the case to the police and the accused was arrested.’’
The offences contravened Sections 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 312 prescribes a 15-year jail term for obtaining money under false pretences, while Section 285 provides three years for stealing.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Senior Magistrate, Mrs Y.R. Pinheiro, in her ruling, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till March 9 for mention. (NAN)
