EFCC Docks Clearing Agent Over Alleged Fraudulent Conversion Of Cleared Goods

A clearing agent, Augustine Chigbolu, who allegedly converted two imported cars and other items to his personal use, was yesterday charged before a Lagos High Court in Ikeja.
Chigbolu was arraigned before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The 50-year-old defendant, who resides at Plot 596, Ahmadu Bello Way, Abuja, is facing 25 counts charge bordering on stealing and attempted fraud.

A clearing agent, Augustine Chigbolu, who allegedly converted two imported cars and other items to his personal use, was yesterday charged before a Lagos High Court in Ikeja.
Chigbolu was arraigned before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The 50-year-old defendant, who resides at Plot 596, Ahmadu Bello Way, Abuja, is facing 25 counts charge bordering on stealing and attempted fraud.
Mrs Atinuke Daramola, the counsel to the EFCC, alleged that the defendant had committed the offences sometime in March 2008 at Tin Can Island, Apapa in Lagos.
She alleged that Chigbolu had fraudulently converted to his personal use, a fairly used Volvo saloon Car 2004 model worth 3,500 US dollars (N560,000),which was shipped from the United States of America.
The defendant was also accused of converting to his personal use, a Black Chevy Express Cargo Van 1998 model worth 6,000 US dollars (N960,000), also imported from the U.S.
Daramola said that other items fraudulently converted by Chigbolu included a lawn mower, a big refrigerator, a new 550VA generator, cloth washer, bed sheets and 10 cases of red wine.
She said that the Volvo saloon car belonged to one Michael Echezonam, while the other goods were property of one Chief Chuks Okeugiri.
 According to her, the defendant was supposed to help the complainants to clear the goods, but he fraudulently converted them to his own usage.
 Daramola also alleged that Chigbolu attempted to defraud Okeugiri by demanding for N5 million which he had claimed was the cost of clearing the goods.
She said the defendant's alleged offences contravened Sections 308 (8) and 508 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State 2003.
Chigbolu had pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The judge granted him bail in the sum of N1 million, with one surety in like sum.
Onigbanjo said that the surety must be resident in Lagos State, gainfully employed and produce evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
The case was adjourned to March 25 for trial.