A 38-year-old businessman, Emmanuel Akhidimme, who allegedly obtained N6.2 million under false pretences, on Friday appeared before an Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
Akhidimme, whose residential address was not given, is standing trial on a two-count charge of fraud and stealing.
The prosecutor, ASP Kenneth Asibor, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on December 2 at 4pm in Tincan area of Apapa, Lagos.
Asibor said the defendant obtained the sum of N6.2 million from the complainant, Bartholomew Adamu, under the guise of selling a Toyota Highlander car and an empty container to him, but failed to do so.
The prosecutor said the defendant converted the money to his personal use.
He said the offences contravened Sections 280 and 314 (1) (3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Section 314(1) (3) provides 15 years imprisonment for an offender.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Magistrate, E. O. Ogunkanmi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N3 million with two sureties in like sum.
Ogunkanmi said the sureties must be gainfully employed and show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
He adjourned the case until February 24 for mention.
