Court’s verdict

Hamza Mohammed, a Bureau de Change operator, was on Tuesday in Lagos brought before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court charged with stealing 9,000 dollars (N3.19 million).

The accused, 40, had appeared on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and obtaining money under false pretences.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Insp. Cousin Adams, the prosecutor, told the court that the accused committed the offences on April 7 at Sabo modern market in Yaba.

He alleged that Mohammed had posed as a bureau de change operator, who was in the position to assist in converting the sum of 9,000 dollars to Naira for Miss Adebola Adelani, the complainant.

The accused also claimed he would remit the money (N3.19 million) to the complainant within five days but failed to do so, Adams said.

The offences contravened Sections 280, 314, 380(1) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Section 314 stipulates a 15-year jail term for obtaining by false pretences, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

Ruling on the bail application of the accused, Magistrate Helen Omisore, granted him bail in the sum of N1 million with two responsible and gainfully employed sureties in like sum.

She has adjourned the case until Oct. 11 for mention.

(NAN)