Customs agents docked for fraud, theft

arrested man with handcuff
A 31-year-old Customs agent, Ngozi Atuanya was on Wednesday arraigned before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing the sum of N250,000 from one Ebubedike Kate in Apapa.

Atuanya is facing a two-count charge bothering on false pretence and stealing.

The prosecutor, Sergeant Olusegun Kokoye told the court that the defendant committed the offence on April 15, 2016 at Eco Bank, Olodi-Apapa.

“The defendant obtained the sum of N250,000 from one Ebubedike Kate with a promise to use it to supply Green Life Food Supplement to her, a representation she knew to be false,” Kokoye said.

According to him, the offences are punishable under sections 314 and 287 (9) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges against her.

The Magistrate, L.Y Balogun granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties.

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

She adjourned the case till July 9, 2018 for mention.

Similarly, a 35-year-old clearing agent, Mathew Ikechuckwu Duru was on Wednesday arraigned before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding one Boniface Ofoegbunam of N900,000 in Lagos.

Duru is facing a three-count charge bothering on fraud, stealing and presenting a dud cheque.

The prosecutor, Sergeant Marvellous Ogbongha told the court that the defendant committed the offence on April 16, 2014 at about 10am at No 53, Old Ojo Road, Maza-Maza, Lagos.

“The defendant with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N900,000 from one Boniface Ofoegbunam under the pretence that he was going to use it to clear 40ft container and return the money after clearing the container which he knew to be false,” Ogbongha said.

The prosecutor added that the defendant issued a Diamond Bank cheque leaflet number 45853412 dated April 16, 2014 in favour of one Boniface Ofoegbunam the sum of N900,000. When presented for payment, it was dishonoured on the ground that no sufficient funds were standing to the credit of the drawer of the cheque was drawn.

According to him, the offences are punishable under sections 312 (1)(a), 285 (5)(a), 319 (b) and 313 (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought against him.

The Magistrate, Adenike Alaka granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties.

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 June 25, 2018 for mention.