Alleged N7m Fraud: Court strikes out case

Paul Iyoghojie

An Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos Island has struck out a case of alleged N7m fraud instituted against a businessman, Uzoukwu Emeka George, following a request for the withdrawal of the case by the complainant, Mr Joachim Ezirim.

Ezirim had in August 2016 told the police at the ‘A’ Command, Lagos Island that Uzoukwu collected N7m from him to establish a joint business with him which did not take off.

The defendant also failed to return the N7m to Ezirim after the failure of the venture.

Uzoukwu was charged before an Igbosere Magistrate Court on 23 August, 2016 in charge No C/49/2016 on a three-count charge of felony, to wit, obtaining money under pretence.

When the matter came up for mention on 4 October, 2016, Ezirim, the complainant, presented an application dated 4 October, 2016 for voluntary withdrawal of the matter to the presiding Chief Magistrate, Abimbola Komolafe.

In the letter the complainant stated that the matter had been resolved between him and the defendant as he had refunded the money in dispute.

In her ruling, the Magistrate said: ”In view of the letter of withdrawal dated 4 October, 2016 and duly executed by a complainant, Joachim Ezirim in a case of alleged N7m fraud he instituted through the Police at the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, the matter is hereby struck out as prayed by the complainant under section 73 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria.”