A 46-year-old businessman, Thomas John, was on Wednesday brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State, for allegedly obtaining N853,000 on false pretences.

John, who resides at Alagbado area of Lagos state, is facing a two-count charge of stealing and fraud.

He however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Prosecutor, ASP Clifford Ogu, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on Aug. 5, 2018, at Alagbado Area of Lagos.

He said that the defendant obtained N853,000 from the complainant, Mr Friday Ezenwibo, on the pretext of using it to buy used motorcycles to start a commercial motorcycle business.

“After the complainant gave him the money, the defendant absconded and could not be traced anywhere.

“Efforts made by the complainant to get his money proved unsuccessful as the defendant could no longer be traced and refused to pick calls made to his phone.

“The case was reported to the police and the defendant was arrested,” the prosecutor said.

The offences, Ogu said, contravened Sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 carries three years imprisonment for stealing while section 314 attracts 14 years for obtaining money under false pretences.

Magistrate Mr J.A Adegun granted John N200, 000 bail with two sureties.

Adegun said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The case was adjourned until April 11 for mention.

BE

– Mar. 27, 2019 @ 13:49 GMT |