A 64-year-old company director, Joseph Jekami, was on Monday docked before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos for allegedly obtaining N47.7 million worth of recharge cards under the pretext to pay back the money.
Jekami, who resides in Ibadan, Oyo State was arraigned along with his company, MC Tee Investment Nigeria Limited, on a three-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and stealing.
The prosecutor, CSP Boniface Asogwa, told the court that the accused committed the alleged offences on September 10, 2013 at 21, Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos.
Asogwa said that the accused obtained some recharge cards worth N47.7 million, property of one Topef Telecoms and Computers Ventures, under the pretence that he would pay back the money.
The prosecutor alleged that the accused knew that he made false presentation that he was going to pay back for the cards after sales.
Asogwa said that the alleged offences contravened Sections 285 (1), 312 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Section 312 provides that any person who obtains money under false pretence is guilty of felony and is liable to 15 years imprisonment.
The counsel to the accused, Reginald Umeike, urged the court to admit the accused to bail on liberal terms.
The Magistrate, F. M. Dalley, granted the accused bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum.
Dalley said that the accused must be gainfully employed and must show evidence of three years tax payment.
Dalley adjourned the case to February 3, 2015 for trial.