Man, 47, docked for allegedly obtaining N1.9m under pretence

A 47-year-old man, Austine Ireze, was on Thursday docked in an Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for allegedly obtaining a total sum of N1.9 million under false pretence.

The defendant was arraigned before Magistrate Funke Ogun, on a five-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence and stealing.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, Insp. Esther Adesulu, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on March 4, at the Alaba International Market Road in Ojo.

Adesulu alleged that the defendant obtained the sum of N1.550 million from one Mr Udoka Nwankwo, the complainant, under a false pretence of purchasing a set of Royal sofa for him.

She said that the defendant also obtained an additional sum of N350, 000 from the complainant, with a promise to use same in transporting the sofa to Ihe-eme in Mbano in Imo.

She said that the representation was false, as the defendant allegedly stole the money, totaling N1.9 million.

The prosecutor added that the defendant issued a dud cheque of N1.9 million to the complainant, which was dishonoured on presentation at the bank.

The offences she said contravened the provisions of section 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

The Magistrate granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500, 000, with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case until May 6, for hearing.