LAGOS – The police in Lagos on Wednesday arraigned a tricycle rider, Polycarp Awuya, in Lagos, for allegedly attempting to sell a stolen tricycle to an unsuspecting buyer.
The accused, whose address was not stated, is standing trial on a four-count charge bordering on stealing and fraud at the Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Gbemileke Agoi, told the court that the accused committed the offences between January and May at the Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos state.
Agoi said the accused stole a tricycle valued at N410, 000, belonging to one Pastor Isaac James.
The prosecutor said that James had entered into a business arrangement with the accused to ride the tricycle with Reg. No. LSD 100 QE for commercial purpose and to be making returns to him.
He said the accused instead obtained the sum of N220, 000 from one Ikechukwu Okorie with the intention of selling James’ tricycle to him.
“Awuya knew that the tricycle belonged to another person and still went on to make false presentation to another unsuspecting person in a bid to transact business with the same tricycle,’’ he said.
He said that the offences contravened Sections 278, 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 312 provides that any person who obtains money by false pretence is guilty of a felony and is liable to 15 years’ imprisonment.
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Awuya, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him.
The Magistrate, Mrs F.O. Dalley, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
She said that the sureties must be gainfully employed and should show evidence of tax payment.
She then adjourned the case to June 26 for mention. (NAN)
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