Man docked for allegedly swindling lady of N1.7m

One Japhet Ogonna, who allegedly obtained N1.7 million by false pretences, on Tuesday, appeared before an Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Ogonna, 33, is standing trial before the court, on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, conversion and impersonation.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Prosecutor, ASP Simon Uche, told the court that the defendant committed the offences somtimes between Sept. 28 and Sept. 30, 2022 at the Ilogbo area of Ojo.

He alleged that the defendant conspired with others now at large to obtain N1.75 million from one Jacinta Illobuasi, with a promise to help her purchase cryptic pregnancy drugs.

The representation was said to be false as the defendant failed to supply the drugs, but converted the money to his personal use.

The prosecution alleged that the defendant also impersonated a healthcare personnel, by holding out himself as a medical doctor in charge of one Thank God Clinic, knowing same to be false.

The offences, Uche said, contravened the provisions of sections 78, 287, 314 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

Ogonna said that he took over the job from his mother who was a mid-wife, when the magistrate inquired how he came about the hospital.

The defendant said that he had already refunded N1.2 million to the complainant, but added that he informed the lady that he does not have the balance yet, but she insisted and arrested him.

The Magistrate, Mr Lateef Layeni, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case until July 28, for mention.