Agent docked over alleged N500,000 fraud

AN agent, Akin Festus, on Friday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for allegedly obtaining N500,000 from a woman under the pretext of renting her a shop.

Festus, 56, who lives at Ikotun, Lagos, is being tried for obtaining money under false pretences and stealing.

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The Prosecutor, ASP. Ezekiel Ayorinde told the court that the defendant committed the offences on May 19 at Agege, Lagos.

Ayorinde alleged that the defendant obtained N500,000 from Mrs Taiwo Salako under the pretext of renting a shop to her which he never did.

“The defendant rented out a shop to the complainant but when she got to the shop, she met another occupant in the shop.

“Efforts made by the complainant to get her money proved unsuccessful as the defendant kept giving her excuses.

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

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

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 prescribes three years jail term for stealing, while Section 314 attracts 15 years for obtaining money under false pretences.

Following his plea of not guilty, Magistrate Mrs B.O Osunsanmi, released him on bail of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

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

Further hearing has been fixed for Sept. 30.