Fake tyre importer Solomon nabbed accused of defrauding woman of ₦3.4m

By Paul Iyoghojie

A 28-year-old businessman, Ikechi Ndudem Solomon, has been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court, for allegedly defrauding a businesswoman of ₦3,437,000 under the guise of importing tyres.

Solomon, who police investigations revealed is a foodstuffs trader at Oniru Market, Lekki, was said to have falsely presented himself as a Dubai-based tyre importer.

According to the prosecution, he collected the sum from the complainant, Deborah Oguta, after promising to procure tyres for her from China.

Police alleged that after receiving the money between March and May 2023, the defendant neither supplied the tyres nor refunded the payment. Instead, he allegedly diverted the funds to personal use and went into hiding.

When repeated attempts to reach him failed, Oguta petitioned the Divisional Police Officer of Maroko Division, Lekki. Officers subsequently tracked down Solomon, leading to his arrest.

Solomon is facing a two-count charge of obtaining money under false pretence and stealing, offences said to contravene Sections 314 and 287 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.

Police prosecutor, Cyriacus Osuji, informed the court that Solomon deliberately misrepresented himself as a tyre importer despite being fully aware that he had no such business.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Presiding Magistrate Gbajumo Ayoku granted him bail in the sum of ₦850,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Ayoku adjourned the matter until 13 October 2025 for mention, ordering that Solomon be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility pending the perfection of his bail conditions.