Clearing agent docked for alleged N1.4m fraud

A 46-year-old clearing agent, Oluwaseun Adebero, on Tuesday appeared before an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding a lady of N1.4 million on the pretext of clearing a truck from Apapa port for her.

The defendant, who resides at Ogudu, Ojota, Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of obtaining money on false pretence and stealing.

The prosecutor, Insp Donjour Perezi, told the court that the offences were committed on Oct. 12 at Ogudu GRA, Lagos.

Perezi said that the defendant was paid N1.4 million by the complainant, Mrs Lola Aluko, to clear a truck from the Apapa port.

He said the defendant promised the complainant that the vehicle would be cleared in two weeks.

According to him, the defendant did not clear the vehicle and absconded with the money.

Perezi said that the complainant who traced the defendant to Apapa port, raised alarm leading to his arrest.

He said the offences contravened Sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mrs O.A Daodu, granted the defendant N200, 000 bail with two sureties in like sum.

Daodu adjourned the case until Dec.13 for hearing.