Lagos – A 56-year-old man, Iheoma Chris, who allegedly bought a bus valued at N1.3 million on hire purchase and bolted, was on Monday brought before an Apapa Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
Chris, a resident of Ajegunle area of Lagos, is facing a four-count charge of stealing, obtaining money under false pretences, unlawful damage and forgery.
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Prosecutor Tony Etibeh told the court that the accused committed the offences on Oct. 1, 2015 at No. 42, Kirikiri in Apapa.
Chris took delivery of a bus from the complainant, Mr Osamede Momni, with a promise to pay by instalments and used the bus for transport business, said Elibeh, an inspector.
According to him, the accused failed to pay for the bus as agreed; instead he absconded with the bus.
“When Momni did not get a feedback from the accused, he decided to confront him and ask for his money through his address.
“The complainant said when he got to the address; he discovered that the accused used another man’s address — Chinedu Akuehie’s.
“When they finally caught Chris with the bus, he had damaged the bus,” he said.
The offences contravened the provisions of Sections 285, 312, 348 and 363 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 stipulates three years imprisonment for stealing.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Titus Abolarinwa, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to Feb. 15 for mention. (NAN)
