Furniture maker docked over alleged N200, 000 fraud

A 32 -year-old furniture maker, Raul Tony, was on Wednesday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly obtaining N200,000 under the pretext of making furniture.

Tony, a resident of Ogudu, Lagos, however, pleaded innocence to the two-count charge of obtaining money under false pretence and stealing.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Aondohemba Koti said the defendant committed the offences on May 10 at Isolo, Lagos.

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Koti said that the defendant obtained N200, 000 from one Mr Tola Ibrahim with the pretext of making him some furniture but converted the money to his own use.

“The complainant told the defendant to make him a wardrobe and the defendant charged him N200, 000.

“After the defendant collected the money, he was nowhere to be found and he refused to pick calls from the complainant.

“The complainant eventually sighted him on the road, called the police and the defendant was arrested,” the prosecutor said.

The offences contravene 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 15 years for obtaining money under false pretences.

Magistrate Mrs M.O Tanimola granted the defendant bail of N80, 000 with one surety as part of the bail condition.

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

The case was adjourned till July 24 for mention.