Businesswoman docked over alleged N1.5m fraud

August 19, 2017 8:17 PM

The suspect was arraigned on a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining money under false pretences.

Handcuffs

A businesswoman,

Anyagbolu was arraigned on a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining money under false pretences.

The accused, who resides at Aguda in Surulere, Lagos, however, pleaded not guilty and was admitted to bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

Magistrate Mrs O.J. Awope while granting bail said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and should also show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Ezekiel Ayorinde, had told court that the accused committed the offences on February 15 at Agege, near Lagos.

He said the accused obtained N1.5 million from one Isreal Obi under the pretence of doing business with the money.

“The accused collected the money from her co-worker and promised to pay back after 29 days.

“At the end of 29 days when the accused was expected to pay back the loan, she stopped coming to work.”

Ayorinde said that the accused disappeared and that all efforts made by the complainant to trace her to collect the money proved unsuccessful.

“She was later arrested after six months of her disappearance and was unable to provide the money.”

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravene Sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accused may be jailed for upward of 15 years if found guilty of obtaining money under false pretence, according to the provisions of Section 314.

The case was adjourned until September13 for mention.