30th November, 2016
A 27-year-old trader, who allegedly obtained N314,200 from a customer on the pretext of supplying oil filters, on Wednesday appeared before an Ojo Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
The accused, Chibuike Onwasa, a resident of Ojo area of Lagos, is facing a three-count charge of forgery, obtaining money under false pretence and stealing.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Simon Uche told the court that the accused, who entered a not-guilty plea, committed the offences sometime in August at ASPAMDA Trade Fair Complex, Lagos.
He said that Onwasa obtained the money from one James Eze with a promise to supply cheap oil filters from Apapa Wharf to him.
“Onwasa, who had no intention of supplying the oil filters to the complainant, invested the money in his own personal business and started avoiding Eze.
“The complainant said that when the agreement was not executed, he asked for a refund from the accused.
“The complainant said that the accused, however, started giving excuses and refused to pay his money back when asked to do so,” the prosecutor said.
Uche also said that Onwasa stole an invoice from the complainant with an intent to use to defraud another person.
The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 285, 312 and 363 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Section 312 prescribes a 15-year jail term for obtaining money under false pretences.
The Magistrate, Mr A.A Paul granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum.
Paul said the surety must be gainfully employed and also show evidence of three years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
He adjourned the case until Feb. 21, 2017 for mention.