A 37-year-old transporter, Ali Mohammed, who allegedly obtained N570,000 on the pretext of providing trucks to convey loads for one Oladunjoye Sherif but reneged, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court 8, in Lagos.
Mohammed is standing trial on a three-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
The Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Friday Chinedu, told the court that Mohammed committed the offences on May 19, 2017 at about 2pm at No 1, Itapeju Street, Apapa, where he allegedly fraudulently obtained the sum of N450,000 on the pretence of providing trucks to load goods for Sherif which he failed to do.
Chinedu also told the court that Mohammed committed similar offence on June 29, 2017 at about 10am at No 34 Kofo Abayomi Street, Apapa, where he fraudulently obtained the sum of N120,000 and a 1x20ft container from one Amusat Halimat on the pretence to load export wood for her, a representation he knew to be false.
The prosecutor added that Mohammed stole the total sum of N570,000 from the two complainants.
According to the prosecutor, the offences contravened sections 314(B), 287(9)(a) of the criminal laws of Lagos State, 2015.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the offences.
He was, however, released on bail in the sum of N250, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
The Magistrate, Temitope Babalola, who gave the ruling, said the sureties must show evidence of three years’ tax payment to Lagos State Government.
The case was adjourned till August 14, 2017 for mention.