Justice

A 20-year-old businessman, Edwin Onuchukwu, who allegedly defrauded a man of N6 million meant for supplying of exotic wines and alcoholic drinks, was on Tuesday docked before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

Onuchukwu, whose shop is located at No. D4 Trade Fair Market in Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of false pretences and stealing.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Michael Unah, said that the accused obtained a sum of N6 million from Amaechi Ezeam with a promise to supply him varieties of wines and alcoholic drinks, but failed to do so.

Unah told the court that the accused committed the offences on Dec.10, 2017 at Trade Fair, Ojoo in Lagos.

“The accused fraudulently collected the sum of N6 million from the complainant with a promise to supply the complainant assorted wines and alcoholic drinks within 24 hours, but he absconded with the money,” he said.

The prosecutor said that the offences violated Sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 stipulates seven years imprisonment, while Section 314 prescribes a 15-year jail term for false pretences.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In his ruling, the Magistrate, Mr A. A. Fashola, granted the accused bail of N1 million with two sureties in like sum.

Fashola said that the sureties must be gainfully employed with an evidence of three years tax payment and have their addresses verified by the court.

He adjourned the case until Dec.12 for further hearing.