An Apapa Magistrates’ Court sitting in Lagos on Wednesday resumed the trial of a clearing agent identified as Popoola Oladapo for allegedly defrauding an importer of N6.9 million at Five Star Logistics Terminal, Tin Can Island Port, Apapa.
Oladapo is facing a five-count charge bothering on forgery and stealing.
The matter was first arraigned in May 3, 2016 when the port prosecutor, Sergeant Adeniyi Balogun told the court that the defendant committed the offences on December 21, 2015 at 10am at Five Star Logistics Terminal, Tin Can Island Port, Apapa.
“The defendant conspired together with others at large to obtain N6.9 million from one Ken Stanley with pretence to waive demurrage of N8.4 million incurred from Stainless Steel Oil Pipes Cargoes at Five Star Logistics Terminal which he did not do,” Balogun said.
The prosecutor added that the defendant forged Five Star Terminal payment receipt number FBRCT2011511556 with face value of N6,444,850.25 which was used to procure Five Star Terminal delivery order number TDO201610333 with face value of N6,444,850.25 knowing same to be forged.
Balogun also said that the defendant forged Five Star Logistics invoice number IMINV201544364 with face value of N6,444,850.25 knowing same to be forged.
“The defendant converted the sum of N6.9 million property of one Ken Stanley to personal use,” he said.
According to him, the offences are punishable under sections 409, 312, 363(1) and 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him.
The court had earlier granted him bail conditions of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
In her ruling, the Chief Magistrate A. O. Awogboro adjourned the case till June 20, 2018 for continuation of trial.