Trader docked for alleged N9.3m fraud

A 36-year-old trader, Taofeek Sulaimon, on Friday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for allegedly defrauding a woman of N9.3million.

Sulaimon, who resides in Ota, Ogun, is in court on a three- count charge of obtaining money under false pretences, stealing and assault.

The Prosecution Counsel, Insp. Mojirade Edeme, told the court that the defendant committed the offences in October 2016, at Irepodun Street, Ilepo, Lagos State,

She said that the defendant obtained the money from one Mrs Rashidat Hammed, under the pretext that he would return it before 30 days, a representation he knew to be false.

“The defendant collected the money with a promise to return it under a month but failed.”

Edeme said that the defendant assaulted the complanant for asking for her money.

“The defendant harmed the complainant by using a rod to beat her and removed three of her teeth.

“The case was reported, leading to the arrest of the defendant,” the prosecutor said.

The alleged offences contravene sections 173, 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

It was reported that Section 287 prescribes three years jail term for stealing, while section 314 stipulates 15 years for obtaining money under false pretences.

Following his not guilty plea, the Magistrate, Mrs A.O Dirisu, released the defendant on bail of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Dirisu said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The magistrate fixed further hearing for Oct. 19.