A clearing agent, Oyewole Ibrahim, who allegedly obtained N480,000 on the pretext of helping one Saheed Fashola to clear his car, on Monday appeared before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
Ibrahim, 30, who is facing a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining money under false pretences is a resident of Apapa in Lagos.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Olusegun Kokoye, told the court that the accused, who entered a not-guilty plea, committed the offences on Sept. 19 at No. 21 Agbeke St., Off Ojo Road, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos.
Kokoye said that the accused fraudulently obtained the sum of N480, 000 from Fashola with a promise to help him clear his car from Tin Can Island Port, a representation he knew was false.
He said that the accused did not clear the car as promised and also refused to refund the complainant’s money when asked to do so.
The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Section 285 prescribes three years imprisonment for stealing, while Section 312 stipulates 15-year jail term for obtaining by false pretence if convicted.
The Magistrate, M.A Etti, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum. Etti also directed that the sureties must be gainfully employed and should show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
He adjourned the case till Dec. 29 for mention.