Car dealer arraigned over alleged N28m fraud

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

A 40-year-old car dealer, Lawrence Komolafe, on Wednesday appeared before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan for allegedly obtaining two cars valued at N28 million under false pretences.

Komolafe, whose address was not provided, was charged with obtaining under false pretences and stealing.

He, however, pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Insp Adeshina Folaranmi, told the court that the defendant committed the offences sometime in 2023 at the Ile-Tuntun area of Ibadan.

Folaranmi alleged that the defendant fraudulently obtained a Toyota Tacoma valued at N3 million and a Mercedes-Benz 550 valued at N25 million from the complainant, Mr Damilola Lawal, under the guise of selling them.

He said the defendant failed to remit the proceeds from the sale of the vehicles to Lawal but converted the money to his personal use.

According to him, the offences contravened Sections 390(9) and 419 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The Magistrate, Mrs Oluwabusayo Osho, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case until April 13 for hearing.