A 38-year-old film producer, Mojeed Owolabi, who allegedly defrauded Taiye Alabede of N250,000, was on Monday brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State.
The producer, whose address was not given, is facing a two-count charge of fraud and stealing.
The prosecutor, Inspector Clement Okuoimose, told the court that the accused committed the offences on February 20 on Abeokuta Expressway, Oko-Oba in Agege area of Lagos State.
Okuoimose said the accused fraudulently obtained N250,000 from the complainant with a promise to edit a video cassette for him.
He said: “The complainant, who was introduced by a friend to the accused, gave his video cassette to him for editing and the accused billed him N250,000.
“He collected the money but refused to edit the cassette, while all efforts made by the complainant to collect his cassette or money back proved unsuccessful.
“The accused was later arrested after seven months.”
Okuoimose said the offences contravened Sections 285 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).
The accused risks 15 years jail term, if found guilty of obtaining under false pretences according to Section 314.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In her ruling, the Magistrate, Mrs Y. O Ekogbulu, granted the accused bail of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Ekogbulu said the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
She adjourned the case until September 29 for mention.