16th January, 2017
A 42-year-old businessman, who allegedly duped one Mr. Christopher Utulu of N1 million by falsely presenting himself as a lawyer, was on Monday in Lagos granted N400,000 bail.
Daniel Esogban, a resident of Alagbado area of Lagos, pleaded not guilty plea to a four-count charge of stealing, impersonation, forgery and obtaining by false pretences.
Magistrate Y.R. Pinheiro, who granted the accused bail at the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, asked him to produce two sureties who must be gainfully employed.
He said that the sureties should show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
The prosecutor, Insp. Matthew Akhaluode told the court that the accused committed the offences sometime in November 2016, at Meiran area of Ikeja.
Akhaluode alleged that the accused, pretending to be a lawyer, obtained N1 million from the complainant with a promise to stand as a solicitor for one Biba Utulu awaiting trial in Dubai.
He said that Esogban, who had no intention to travel to Dubai to stand as a solicitor for the complainant’s son, converted the money to his personal use.
The prosecutor said the accused also forged identity cards, written land documents and lawyer bib, to present himself as a real lawyer.
“Utulu said that when he did not get any feedback from the accused, he decided to confront him and ask for a refund.
“The complainant said that when Esogban started making up excuses for not paying the money, he decided to take the matter to the police station.
“Utulu said the accused was arrested and taken to the police station for further questioning,” Akhaluode said.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 285, 312, 363 and 378 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused risks a 15-year jail term if convicted.
The magistrate adjourned the case to Feb. 16 for mention.