Man, 56, docked in Lagos for allegedly defrauding customer of N8million

A 56-year-old, Abiodun Akande, who allegedly defrauded a businessman, Felix Obichukwu, of N8 million, was on Wednesday docked at a Surulere Chief Magistrates' Court in Lagos. Akande, whose address was not provided, is facing a three-count charge of obtaining money under false pretences and stealing. According to the prosecutor, Insp. Gabriel Ekundayo, the accused committed the offences at Alafia Bus Stop, Orile-Iganmu, Lagos, at about 10.30 a.m. on May 12, 2012. He said Obichukwu came to the station to report that the accused collected N8 million from him on the pretext of selling two containers laden with Tiger generators and kitchenware. ``Since he paid the money into his account, the accused failed to make available the containers and efforts to recover the money proved abortive.’’ The offences contravened Sections 285 and 312(2) and (3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 provides three years as penalty for stealing, while Section 312 (2) prescribes a 15- year jail term for obtaining by false pretences. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty. Ruling on the accused’s bail application, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs M.I. Dan-Oni, granted him bail in the sum of 500,000 with two responsible sureties in like sum. She directed that 10 per cent of the bail sum should be deposited into the account of the court’s Chief Registrar. The case was adjourned to May 30 for mention.