Lagos businessman faces N4.3m fraud charge

A businessman, James Okafor, on Tuesday appeared before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly obtaining N4.3 million under false pretence.

Okafor, 49, whose address was not given, is facing trial on a four-count charge, bordering on conspiracy, fraud and assault.

The Prosecutor, Sgt. Cyriacus Osuji told the court that the defendant and others still at large, committed the offences sometime in September 2018 at Lagos Island.

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Osuji said: “with intent to defraud, the defendant obtained the sum of N4.3 million from one Wisdom Friday, under the guise of supplying some cartons of Diclofenac drug to him.

“Okafor did not supply the drugs to the complainant but assaulted the complainant by giving him some blows on the chest when he asked for a refund of his money.”

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 172, 287, 314 (3) and 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

Okafor, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Magistrate, Mrs M.O. Ope-Agbe granted Okafor bail in the sum of N3 million with one surety in like sum.

She said that the surety must be gainfully employed and should show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

Ope-Agbe adjourned the case until Sept. 12 for mention.