Man, 41, in court over alleged N480,000 fraud

A 41-year-old welder, Idowu Julius, who allegedly obtained N480,000 under false pretences from Onyedikachi Umeizu, on Monday appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State.

The defendant, a resident of Fagba area of Ikeja, is facing a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining under false pretences.

The Prosecutor, ASP Benson Emuerhi, told the court that the defendant committed the offence sometime in April 2018 at Iju Road, Fagba, Ikeja.

Emuerhi alleged that the defendant fraudulently obtained N480, 000 from the complainant on the pretext of constructing a three-layer oven for him.

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‘’Julius converted the money to his own personal use and refused to construct the oven as promised.

‘’When the complainant did not hear from the defendant, he became worried and decided to demand his money.

‘’The complainant said that when he demanded his money the defendant started giving flimsy excuses.

‘’The complainant reported the case to the police and the defendant was arrested.’’ the prosecutor said.

According to him, the offences contravene the provision of Sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos 2015.

Section 314 prescribes 15-year jail term for obtaining under false pretences, while Section 287 stipulates three years imprisonment for stealing if found guilty.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges levied against him.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olufunke Sule-Amzat, admitted the defendant to a N100, 000 bail with two sureties in like sum.

Further hearing in the case was fixed for Oct. 21.