CRIME NEWS

2 MEN  DOCKED  FOR ALLEGED  N1.5m FRAUD

Two men, Stanley Okoro and Benjamin Madueke, on Tuesday appeared before a Surulere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, charged with obtaining 38 pieces of pumping machine worth N1.5 million under false pretences.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Okoro, 35, and Madueke, 42, whose addresses were not provided, are facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining under false pretences, stealing and dishonest receiving.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Clement Okuoimose, told the court that the accused, with others at large, committed the offences sometime between June and September.
He said that they committed the offences at Shop 10, No 1, Prince Agbomabiwon Lane, Odunade Building Material Market, Coker, Orile Iganmu.
Okuoimose said Okoro told his brother, Emeka Eze, who sells pumping machines, that he could help him market his goods to some persons in Oshogbo.
“Eze delivered 38 pieces of pumping machines to Okoro, but he went away for months without bringing the money for the goods he collected”
“When Eze put pressure on the accused to take him to those people that bought the goods from him, he claimed to be ill and that his health condition would not allow him to go and get the money at Oshogbo.
“After much more pressure, he confessed to Eze that he had sold the machines to some persons here in Lagos for a far lesser price than the normal price.
“The complainant demanded for the money and he said he sent the money to his village to take care of his elder sister that was ill.”
The Prosecutor said that Okoro later took Eze to Madueke, the second accused, who dishonestly received eight pieces of the machine for N156,000, knowing fully they were stolen property.
He said that the offences contravened Sections 409, 312, 285 and 326 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Both accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A.A. Famobiwo, granted the two accused bail in the sum of N100,000 each, with two sureties in like sum.
She said that the sureties must be gainfully employed and should live within the jurisdiction of the court.
Famobiwo also said that the sureties should have their addresses verified.
The magistrate adjourned the case till Nov. 30 for mention. (NAN)