By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
A 35-year-old businessman, Victor Olayinka, who allegedly defrauded his customer the sum of N1.4 million was on Monday charged before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court sitting in Lagos, Nigeria.
The defendant whose residential address was not given, is standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and threat to life.
He pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Peace Chukwudi, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offences between November 25, 2017 and December 2, 2017, at A17 Iyadolapo Plaza, Ebute-Ero Market, Lagos Island.
According to the prosecutor, the defendant fraudulently obtained the sum of N1.4 million from the complainant, one Mr Ikechukwu Njoku, under the guise of supplying some goods to him.
“The defendant failed to supply the goods to the complainant and instead threatened to kill the complainant if he asks for his money,” Chukwudi said.
She stated that the alleged offences contravened Sections 56, 314 (a) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Section 56 provides three years imprisonment for anyone found guilty of threat to life, Section 314 provides 15 years imprisonment for obtaining under false pretence while Section 411 provides two years imprisonment for anyone found guilty of conspiracy.
Counsel to the defendant, Mr Emmanuel Okedi, urged the court to grant bail to the defendant on most liberal terms.
In her ruling, Magistrate Mrs K. O. Doja-Ojo, granted the defendant bail in tthe sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
She ordered that one of the sureties must be a village head while the other should be a civil servant.
She adjourned the case until October 14 for mention.
