Justice

A 28-year-old businessman, Anthony Chukwujiobi, accused of obtaining N3.7million fraudulently, on Monday appeared in an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

Chukwujiobi, who resides at Festac area of Lagos, is standing trial on a four-count charge of conspiracy, fraud, stealing and attempt to obstruct the course of justice.

The Prosecutor, Sgt. Friday Mameh, informed the court that the accused conspired with others at large to commit the offence sometime in 2016, at Bode Thomas, Surulere, Lagos.

He said that the accused fraudulently obtained N3.7 million from the complainant, Mrs Caroline Okpurle, under the guise of supplying aluminium materials to her.

Mameh said that the accused knew that the representation he made was false and converted the said amount to his personal use.

The prosecutor said Chukwujiobi was granted an administrative bail on Jan. 9 and directed to report back to the Police on Jan. 31.

According to Mameh, the accused attempted to obstruct the course of justice by failing to return to the Police Headquarters, Kam-Salem House, Obalende, on Jan. 31 as directed.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 97 (3), 280, 314 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

An offender who violates provisions of Section 314 is liable, on conviction, to 15 years imprisonment, while one who runs foul of Section 411 is liable to two years imprisonment.

The accused entered a `not guilty` plea.

The Magistrate, Mrs F. O. Botoku, granted him bail in the sum of N1million with two sureties in like sum.

She said that the addresses of the sureties, who must be tax compliant, should be verified.

Botoku adjourned the case until June 30 for trial.

(NAN)