5th June, 2013
Two men who claimed to be Bureau De Change agents, Ali Mohammed, 39 and Abdullahi Ahmed, 48, have been arrested by the police at Zone 2 Command, Onikan Lagos, southwest Nigeria, for allegedly obtaining the sum of $60,000 under false pretence from a business woman, Mrs. Linda Oladokun.
The two suspects were arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos on a three- count charge of felony to wit, stealing.
According to police report, Mrs. Linda Oladokun alleged that the accused on 20 December, 2012 gave the suspects the sum of $60,000 to change into naira equivalent for her since they claimed that they are Bureau De Change agents at Suite (a) Airport Road Ikeja, Lagos. But instead, she alleged that the suspects absconded with her $60,000.
Though the suspects allegedly admitted that they received the money from Mrs. Oladokun during interrogation, they claimed that they had paid her part of the money, while the remaining balance had been stolen by thieves.
The prosecutor, S. Molo, said the offences the suspects allegedly committed contravened sections 409, 285 (1) and 312 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and the presiding magistrate, Mr. A.A. Adefulire, admitted them to bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum with proof of three years of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
He adjourned the matter till 24 June for mention.
The suspects were transferred to Ikoyi Prison in Lagos, pending when they would fulfill their bail conditions.
—Paul Iyoghojie