A 52-year-old man, Echebiri Ikechukwu, yesterday appeared before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly impersonating a licensed Customs agent to steal vehicles worth N7.8 million.
The accused, whose address was not given, was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, impersonation and threat to life.
Prosecutor Innocent Odugbo told the court that the accused and others still at large committed the offences sometime in January 2014 at Apapa Area of Lagos.
Odugbo said that the accused stole three Toyota cars worth N5.3 million belonging to one Osagiede Christian.
“The accused while posing as a licensed clearing agent also obtained N2.5 million from Christian, under pretext to clear the three Toyota cars mentioned above,” he said.
The prosecutor also said that sometime between January and July 2014, the accused threatened to kill the complainant.
Odugbo said the offences contravened Sections 56, 312, 348, and 410 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused pleaded innocence to the offences.
The Magistrate, Mrs. O. Kusanu, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Kusanu said that one of the sureties must be a blood relation of the accused and must show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government and their addresses verified.
The case was adjourned till April 25 for mention.
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