Two customs agents, identified as Adegoke Olusola (40) and Toyosi Bamidele (47), were on Tuesday arraigned before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court for allegedly obtaining money under false pretence from one Mrs. Nwana Nneka at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.
Olusola and Bamidele are facing a three-count charge bothering on conspiracy, false pretence and intention to defraud.
The prosecutor, Sergeant Friday Inedu told the court that the defendants committed the offences on September 25, 2017.
He said, “The defendants conspired together to obtain money under false pretence. They falsely represented themselves as Nigeria Customs licenced clearing agents to one Mrs. Nwana Nneka, a representation they knew to be false.
“They obtained the sum of N1.95 million from Nneka to clear a 40-foot container No CNCU560197/4 containing four vehicles from Tin Can Island Port, Apapa which they failed to clear.”
According to the prosecutor, the offences are punishable under Sections 409, 380(1) and 314(3) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.
The defendants however pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Magistrate Temitope Babalola granted the defendants bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties each in like sum.
The sureties must be gainfully employed and show evidence of current tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
He adjourned the case till