Nosa Akomen, a 45-year-old man, who claimed to be a clearing agent, was yesterday charged before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly obtaining N4.4 million under false pretences.
The accused, who lives at No. 30, Olabode St., Fagba, Lagos, is facing charges of conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretences, stealing and forgery.
The prosecutor, Inspector Stephen Molo told the court that the accused with others still at large committed the offences between May and July 2012 at No. 12, Ajayi Road, Ogba, Lagos.
He said the accused allegedly presented himself as a registered clearing agent before a businessman, Mr Oluwaseyi Oladore, the complainant.
He alleged that the accused collected N4.4 million from Oladore to clear a container for him from America at the Tin Can Island Port.
“The accused after collecting the money failed to clear the goods which prompted the complainant to report the case to the police.
“Upon investigation, police discovered that the accused is not a registered clearing agent.
“It was also discovered that the accused had forged a Diamond Bank and the Nigeria Customs Service direct payment acknowledgment receipts with the intent to present them as genuine to the port authorities,” Molo said.
He said the offences contravened Sections 285 (1), 312 (a), (b), 363 (2), (b) and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused may be sentenced to 15 years imprisonment on conviction.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.
The Magistrate, Miss Olanike Olagbende, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case to Oct. 31 for trial.
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