2 arraigned over alleged N1.29m fraud

The police on Tuesday arraigned two men, Ifeanyi Daniel and Wisdom John, before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over alleged fraud and stealing of goods worth N1.29 million.

The defendants, Daniel, 35, and John, 20, are facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraud and stealing.

The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ikhayere, told the court that the defendants committed the offences on January 20 at Opebi Road, Ikeja.

Mr Ikhayere alleged that the defendants posed as representatives of Bezeal Fabrics, a company owned by the complainant, Olufunke Kilani, and obtained goods under false pretences.

She said the defendants collected some quantity of fabrics, the value of which was yet to be ascertained, and promised to pay after sale but failed to do so.

The prosecutor also alleged that the defendants, on February 14, stole N1.2 million from another victim, Opeyemi Akinlolu.

She said the offences contravened Sections 380(1), 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Magistrate, Lateef Owolabi, granted them bail in the sum of N400,000 each with two sureties in like sum.

He ordered that the addresses of the sureties be verified and that they provide evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The case was adjourned until April 14 for further hearing.