A 26-year-old clearing agent, Obinna Onyemachi, was on Friday brought before an Apapa Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly obtaining N350, 000 from a woman, Blessing Onnaku, to clear her container at the Apapa Port.
Onyemachi, a resident of Ajegunle area of Lagos, is standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and obtaining under false pretences.
Police Prosecutor Olusegun Kokoye insisted that the accused. who entered a ‘not-guilty’ plea, committed the offences on March 24 at Tincan First Gate, Apapa, Lagos.
Kokoye told the court that the accused conspired with others now at large and fraudulently obtained N350, 000 from Onnaku with a promise to clear her container.
“The accused and his accomplices, who had no intention of clearing the container for the complainant, shared the money and disappeared.
“When the complainant did not get any feedback from the accused, she became worried and decided to confront him.
“Onyemachi started giving excuses when the complainant confronted him and also refused to refund the money.
“She reported the case to the police and the accused was arrested,” the prosecutor said.
The offences contravened Sections 287, 314 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Section 314 prescribes 15 years imprisonment for obtaining money under false pretences.
The Senior Magistrate, Mr M.A. Etti, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned
the case until Oct.17 for mention.
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