By Funmilola Gboteku
Lagos – A 37-year-old trader, who allegedly obtained N15 million from a businessman on the pretext of developing a building for him, on Monday appeared before an Apapa Chief Magistrates‘ Court, Lagos.
Anthony Uzor, who resides at Ojo area of Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining money under false pretences, but he pleaded not guilty.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Ferdinand Asu, told the court that the defendant committed the offences between February 2015 and Nov.15, 2017, at Trade Fair Complex, Lagos.
Asu said that the defendant fraudulently obtained the sum from the complainant, Mr Ikemjika Okwereome.
He said that the defendant collected the sum from the complainant but refused to develop the building.
Asu alleged that when Okwereome demanded for his money, the defendant kept giving flimsy excuses.
The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 prescribes three years’ imprisonment for stealing, while Section 314 stipulates a 15-year jail term for obtaining by false pretences.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Michael Olubi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum.
Olubi said that the sureties must be gainfully employed and show evidence of three years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
He adjourned the case until April 15 for mention. (NAN)