Clearing agent in court for collecting N1.9m under false pretence

arrested man with handcuff
Illustrative picture. PHOTO CREDIT: Newslocker

A 50-year-old clearing agent, Adeolu Fagbemi, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court for allegedly collecting N1.9 million under false pretence at Tin Can Island, Apapa.

Fagbemi, who lives in Ikotun, is facing a one-count charge of false pretence.

Police prosecutor, Sergeant Adeniyi Balogun told the court that the defendant committed the offence on November 6, 2018 at Tin Can Island, Apapa.

“The defendant obtained the sum of N1.9 million from one Mr Taofeek Adekunle Rasaq with the pretence to clear container number CAIU 947996 containing four vehicles from Ports & Cargo Terminal, a representation he knows to be false,” Balogun said.

According to him, the offence is punishable under section 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge against him.

In her ruling, Magistrate Joy Ugbomoiko granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 with two responsible sureties in like sum.

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

She adjourned the case till March 26, 2019 for mention.