CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 53-year-old man has been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court over allegations of conspiracy, fraud, and theft of N8.5 million from a customer in Volks, Ojo area of Lagos State.
The defendant, Amma Chiediome Amadi, appeared on a three-count charge filed by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged incident occurred on December 2, 2005 at about 9:00AM at Volks, Ojo, Lagos, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
In Count I, the prosecution alleged that Amma Chiediome Amadi and others now at large conspired among themselves to commit felony. The offence includes obtaining by false pretence and stealing, contrary to Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Count II alleged that on the same date, time and place, the defendant and others now at large fraudulently obtained the sum of N8,500,000 from one Mrs. Lovelyn Alagboso. The money was allegedly collected under the pretence of supplying her fairly used televisions.
The prosecution stated that the defendant failed to deliver the said televisions after receiving payment, and converted the money to personal use.
In Count III, Amma Chiediome Amadi and others now at large were accused of stealing the sum of N8,500,000, property of Mrs. Lovelyn Alagboso. The offence is said to be punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The case was presented in court by PC. Hezekiah Pafenoh attached to Ojo Division. CSP Opeifa Omolola, Divisional Police Officer, was also listed in connection with the matter.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, ASP Esther Adesulu, asked the Court to give a date for hearing to enable the Police to prove the allegations against the defendant.
The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O.M. Ogun, granted him bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties. The sureties are to show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment, while their addresses are to be verified by the Court.
The matter was adjourned for mention. The defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Centre pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.
Legal experts note that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a Court of competent jurisdiction. Police said investigations into the case are ongoing to determine the whereabouts of other suspects mentioned as “now at large”.
