A clearing agent has been arrested and charged before a Magistrates’ Court for allegedly diverting his client’s N2.8million he got for clearing of goods at Apapa Port in Lagos State.
The agent, 21-year-old Adejare Taiye, allegedly collected the money from Balogun Adekunle under the false pretence of facilitating the release of imported goods at the port.
After Taiye collected the money, he allegedly pretended that he was facilitating its release for several weeks.
While Adekunle waited endlessly for the goods to no avail, he decided to inquire about what was delaying the goods. He was shocked to discover that Taiye did not go for the release of the goods as he claimed.
When Taiye eventually found out that Adekunle had discovered his antics, he bolted away after the goods had attracted demurrage at the port.
The matter was reported to the police who trailed Taiye and arrested him from his hiding place. He was charged to court with three-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining under false pretense and stealing under the Criminal code.
He pleaded not guilty and the presiding Magistrate, Mrs J. O. E. Adeyemi granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum. Taiye was remanded in prison custody pending when he will perfect his bail condition.
The matter was adjourned till 26 January 2016.
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