Clearing agent dupes exporters of N1.8m

arrested man with handcuff

A 34-year-old clearing agent, Makanjuola Lanre, was on Friday arraigned before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court for allegedly duping exporters of N1.8 million at Apapa.

Lanre is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and false pretence.

The prosecutor, Inspector Ferdinard Asu, told the court that the defendant committed the offences sometimes in the month of April 2017 at Apapa.

“The defendant conspired together with others at large to steal the sum of N850,000 from one Saka Wasiu, N680,000 from one Afeez Salao and the sum of N300,000 from one Demingo Funsho. The total sum being N1,830,000,” Asu said.

The prosecutor also said that the defendant obtained the money with the pretence that he would provide truck for them (Saka Wasiu, Afeez Salao and Demingo Funsho) to export their goods which he knew to be false.

According to him, the offences are punishable under sections 411, 287(5)(6) and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

The defendant however pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.

Magistrate Mukaila Fadeyi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with one surety.

The surety, according to the Magistrate must furnish the court with proof of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

He adjourned the matter till October 3, 2018 for mention.