Trader docked for allegedly defrauding friend of N500,000 goods

A 21-year-old trader, Princess Chubogwu, on Wednesday appeared before a Mararaba Grade 1 Area Court, Aso Pada, in Nasarawa State, for allegedly defrauding her friend of clothes worth N500,000.

Chubogwu, whose address was not provided, is facing a two-count charge of breach of trust and cheating to which she pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutor Friday Adaji told the court that Maryam Ibrahim of Mararaba Shopping Centre reported the incident ‘A’ Divisional Police Headquarters, Mararaba, Oct. 2.

Adaji said sometimes in August the complainant gave the accused some clothes worth N500,000 to sell for her and remit the money after sales.

He said after the complainant had given the accused the clothes, she disappeared to an unknown destination and all efforts to locate her or get her on phone proved abortive.

“The accused was seen and arrested on Oct. 2; during police interrogation, the accused confessed to have sold the clothes and spent the money."

The offences contravened Sections 312 and 322 of the Penal Code, which attract seven years imprisonment with a fine or both.

The judge, Mr Albert Maga, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N100, 000 with one surety in like sum.

“The surety, who should be a civil servant, should reside within the court’s jurisdiction and also submit a recent two passport-size photographs or a national identity card."

Maga adjourned further hearing in the case till Oct. 13.