A clearing agent, Fabian Nwaolisa, who allegedly duped an importer of N600,000 on the pretext of assisting him to clear a container, on Thursday appeared before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
Nwaolisa, 48, a resident of the Apapa area of Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining by false pretences.
The prosecutor, Cpl. John Iberedem, told the court that the accused committed the offences on Sept. 20, 2013 at No. 60, Charles Avenue, Ajegunle, Apapa in Lagos.
Iberedem said that the accused fraudulently obtained the sum of N600,000 from on Mr Polycarp Ejiofor, on the pretext of assisting him to clear a 1x40ft container.
He said that Nwaolisa did not clear the container as promised and also refused to refund the money to the complainant.
“Ejiofor reported the case to the police and the accused was arrested,” the prosecuted stated.
Iberedem said that the offences contravened Sections 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 312 prescribes a 15-year jail term for obtaining by false pretences.
The Magistrate, Mr Patrick Adekomaiya, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till Jan. 30, for trial
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