A 43-year-old clearing agent, Babagana Shetima, who allegedly obtained N3.8 million on false pretence, on Monday appeared before an Apapa Chief Magistrate Court, Lagos.
Shetima, who resides at Apapa area of Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining money under false pretences.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Ferdinand Asu, told the court that the accused committed the offences sometime in August, at Apapa Port, Lagos.
Asu said that the accused fraudulently obtained the sum of N3.8 million from the complainant, Bello Aminu, to help him clear a container from Apapa Port.
He said that the accused did not clear the container as promised and also refused to refund the complainant’s money when asked to do so.
The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Section 287 prescribes three years imprisonment for stealing, while Section 314 stipulates 15-year jail term for obtaining by false pretence, if convicted.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Michael Olubi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum.
Olubi said that the sureties must be gainfully employed and should show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
He adjourned the case until Dec. 12 for mention.
Meanwhile, an importer ; Mr. Richard Ofonedu on Tuesday dragged a 38 year old female clearing agent; Blessing Obiesie before an Apapa magistrate court for defrauding and stealing from him.
The accused, Blessing is facing a three count charge bordering on stealing, false representation and conspiracy.
According to the Prosecutor, Sergeant Balogun Adeniyi, the accused committed the offences on the 14th day of April 2018, at Tin Can Island port in Apapa.
The Prosecutor said that the accused conspired with another person to steal from Ofonedu gave Blessing some consignments to clear from the port.
According to the prosecutor, the suspect falsely presented herself as a customs license agent, and defrauded Ofonedu
The Prosecutor told the court that "Blessing Obiesie and one other now at large, at the same date, time and place at the aforementioned magisterial district did falsely present yourself as a customs licensed agent".
Sergeant Adeniyi also said that the suspect stole a Golf car belonging to the complainant.
"That you Blessing Obiesie and one other now at large on the same date, time and place at the aforementioned magisterial district did steal one Golf car valued at N850, 000 property of Richard Ofonedu on transit", he said
He said that the offences are punishable under sections, 409, 316 and 285 of the criminal law of Lagos state of Nigeria 2015
The accused however denied committing the offences brought against her.
The Magistrate; Mrs. Joy Ugbomoiko granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 and one reliable surety in the like sum.
She added that the surety must be a blood relation to the accused.
The case was adjourned till 7th of December 2018 for mention.
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