Police arraign man, 52, for alleged N5m fraud

The Police on Thursday arraigned a 52-year-old man, Emmanuel Afam, before a Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for an alleged N5,370,000 fraud.

The defendant, of no fixed residential address, is facing a two-count charge of fraud and stealing to which he pleaded not guilty.

The Police Prosecutor, ASP. Clement Okuoimose, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on Jan. 14, at APT Market, Trade Fair Complex area of Lagos.

Okuoimose said the defendant obtained the sum of N5,370,000 from one Christopher Columbus under false pretence of helping to exchange it to Chinese currency and transfer it to his account, which he never did.

The prosecutor said the defendant failed to fulfill his promise, but instead converted the money to his personal use.

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

Our correspondent reports that Section 287 stipulates three years’ jail term for stealing.

The Chief Magistrate, Fadahunsi Adefioye, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1,000,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Adefioye said the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction with evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State government.

The chief magistrate adjourned the case until Oct. 11 for mention.