Scrap dealer docked for allegedly swindling businessman

A scrap dealer, Mohammed Shuaib, was on Wednesday docked in a Magistrates’ Court in Abeokuta for allegedly swindling a businessman of N400,000.

The police charged Shuaib, whose address was not provided with obtaining by false pretence and conduct likely to breach public peace.

The Prosecution Counsel, Insp Evelyn Motim, told the court that the defendant committed the offence between July and October at the Brewery Area, Lafenwa, Abeokuta.

Motim alleged that the defendant collected N400,000 from the complainant, Mr Mohammed Zubairu, with a promise to supply a cartful of scrap metals, but failed to do so.

She said the defendant converted the money to his personal use.

“All efforts made by the complainant to get the scrap metals or a refund, failed,” the prosecutor said.

According to the prosecutor, the offence contravenes the provisions of sections 390(9) and 419 of the Criminal Code Vol. 1 Laws of Ogun 2006.

The ​‌‌‍​‍⁠⁠‍‌⁠‌‌​‍‌⁠‌​defendant pleaded guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mrs O.O. Sam-Obaleye, adjourned the case until Nov. 17 for hearing of the facts following the defendant’s guilty plea.