TWO men, Michael Ejike, 28, and Fred Francis, 25, who allegedly defrauded three people of N1.7 million, on Tuesday appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.
The defendants, who are residents of Bariga area of Lagos, are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and obtaining under false pretences.
They, however, pleaded not guilty.
The Prosecutor, ASP Peter Nwangwu, told the court that the defendants committed the offences on June 20, at their residence.
He said that Ejike and Francis disguised as forex traders and fraudulently obtained N1.7 million from the complaints, Afolabi Ogunusi, Yemisi Rabiu and Ololade Dauda.
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Nwangwu said that the defendants introduced themselves to the complaints as forex traders who were into importation and exportation.
“When the complainants discovered that they had been duped by the defendants, they reported the case to the police and the duo were arrested,” he said.
He said the offences contravened Sections 287, 314 and 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2015.
Section 314 prescribes 15-year jail term for obtaining under false pretences while Section 287 stipulates three years’ imprisonment for stealing.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Y.O Aje- Afunwa, admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N500,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.
Further hearing in the case was fixed for Aug. 29.
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