Man docked for allegedly cheating business partner

A 49-year-old man, Abdullah Ladan was on Tuesday docked in a Kado Grade I Area Court, Abuja for allegedly cheating his business partner.

The police charged Ladan, who lives in Gwagwa, Abuja, is charged with criminal breach of trust and cheating.

The Prosecution Counsel, Mr Stanley Nwafoaku, told the court that on Aug.30, at about 3:30pm, the complainant, Abubakar Ali of Jahi, Abuja reported the matter at Mabushi Police Station.

Nwafoaku alleged that on Jan.11, the complainant loaned the defendant N811, 000, to boost his business with an agreement to pay back.

He told the court that, after some months the defendant changed his location and phone number which made it difficult for the complainant to reach him.

The prosecution further alleged that on June 30, the complainant sighted the defendant at a location in Jahi and immediately called the police to get him arrested.

Nwafoaku told the court that during police interrogation at Mabushi police station, Ladan admitted to the offence and N35, 000 was collected from him.

The prosecution said the offence contravenes the provisions of sections 312 and 322 of the Penal Code law.

The defendant however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Defence Counsel, Charity Nwosu made a bail application for the defendant in the most liberal terms.

Nwosu, citing Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended) and Section 158 of the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, promised that the defendant will not jump bail if granted same.

The prosecution counsel, however, did not object to the bail application made by the defense counsel.

The Judge, Muhammed Wakili admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N500, 000 and one surety in like sum.

Wakili ordered that the surety must provide a BVN print out, recent passport photograph and a valid identification card, which must be verified by the court registrar.

The Judge adjourned the matter until Jan.12, 2023 for hearing.