A businessman, Nelson Achibatako, has appeared before an Ebute Metta Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding a man of N5.1 million under the pretext of supplying him 66,000 litres of petrol.
The accused, docked yesterday, however, said that the charges against him were false accusations and, therefore, pleaded not guilty to them.
Achibatako, 32, who resides at Block 2, Flat 9, Millenium Estate, Sasha– a Lagos suburb– is facing trial on a three-count charge of obtaining under false pretence, conspiracy and stealing.
Earlier, the Prosecutor, Sgt. Emmanuel Ajayi, told the court that the accused committed the offences, with others still at large, on March 15, at Apapa area of Lagos.
Ajayi said that the accused obtained N5.1 million under the pretext that he would supply two trailer loads of petrol, but he failed to do so.
He said that Achibatako, by the alleged offences, contravened Sections 285, 312 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Section 285 states that any person that contravenes it is liable to seven years jail term.
According to the Lagos State Criminal Law 2011, those culpable of Section 409 will be imprisoned for two years.
The Magistrate, Mrs M.O. Olajuwon, granted the accused N1.5million bail, with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case to Sept. 9 for mention.
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