Woman accuses clearing agent of N1.4m theft

Apapa-Magistrate’s-Court
Apapa Magistrates’ Court. PHOTO CREDIT: SHIPS & PORTS archive.

A 25-year-old clearing agent, John Okoro, was on Monday arraigned before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing N1,450,000 from a woman to clear her three cars at Tin-Can port.

Okoro is facing a two-count charge of false pretense and stealing.

The prosecutor, Inspector Esther Adesulu, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on November 30 and December 1, 2018 at Sterling Bank Plc, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Olodi-Apapa.

“The defendant obtained the sum of N1,450,000 from one Nneji Amaka with the pretence he was going to clear her three cars at Tin-Can port, a representation which he knew to be false,” Adesulu said.

The prosecutor also said that the defendant stole the sum of N1,450,000 from one Nneji Amaka.

According to her, the offences are punishable under sections 314 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

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

Magistrate Martins Owumi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.

The sureties, according to the Magistrate, must furnish the court with evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

He adjourned the matter till January 10, 2019 for mention.