LAGOS:
LAGOS BUSINESSMAN ACCUSED OF N22.6M FRAUD, THREAT TO LIFE
A 39-year-old businessman, Busayo Afolami, who allegedly obtained N22.6 million from two men under pretext of importing vehicles for them, was yesterday arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court sitting in Igbosere.
Afolami is facing a six-count charge bordering on conspiracy, threat to life and fraud, preferred against him by the police.
The Prosecutor, Sergeant Chinedu Njoku, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offences sometime in June 2013, at 1, Oba Aladejobi Ikeja GRA, Lagos, and sometime in October 2013, at 53, Olugbede Street, Akowonjo, Lagos respectively.
He said that in June 2013, the defendant fraudulently obtained the sum of $35,300 (equivalent of N12.7 million) from one Mr Onipede Olatunbosun.
Njoku also told the court that the defendant obtained the said money from Olatunbosun, under guise of using the money to buy Lexus 350, Honda 2010 model and Corolla 2005 from America for the complainant.
He said the defendant did not import any of the cars for the complainant but converted the said money to his own personal use.
The prosecutor also alleged that the defendant threatened the life of Olatunbosun by calling him on phone to forget the said money.
Njoku further stated that sometime in October 2013, the defendant fraudulently obtained the sum of $31, 900 (equivalent of N9.9 million) from another complainant, one Joel Fagoriola, under guise of buying ten trucks of 25 tons for him.
He said that the trucks were of Mack and Man diesel models.
The Prosecutor said that the defendant did not purchase the said trucks but converted the said money to his own use.
According to him, the offences committed are punishable under Sections 232, 287, 314 (1)and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
However, the defendant pleaded innocent to the charges against him.
In her ruling, Magistrate Folashade Botoku granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum.
She said that one of the sureties must be a company director, adding that the sureties must show evidence of tax payments to the Lagos State Government and have their addresses verified.
The case was adjourned till April 2 for mention.
@ Vanguard Newspaper
