Fraud Suspect Arraigned Over N4.9m

Operatives at the Special Fraud Unit, Milverton Street, Ikoyi, Lagos State, southwest Nigeria, have arrested and arraigned Peter Osamgbi, 43, before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a three-count charge of obtaining goods worth N4.9 million under false pretence.

The police alleged in the charge sheet that the accused was arrested, following a complaint by Mrs. Chioma Adeoye that the accused obtained customised sport wears worth N4.9 million from her under the pretence that he would pay for the goods in a month’s time, a representation he knew to be false and instead, he allegedly converted the proceeds from the sales of the goods to his personal use.

Investigation revealed that the accused approached the victim to supply him the customised sport wears to sell and make profit and would refund the proceeds from the sales of the goods to the woman.

The woman, it was gathered, supply the accused the goods on trust unknown to her that the accused had sinister motive to dupe her.

After he had sold the goods, he allegedly converted the proceeds to his personal use.

After all efforts by the woman to recover her money from the accused amicably proved abortive, she reported the matter to the police and the accused was arrested.

After investigation, the accused was charged to court for stealing, offences the prosecutor, Inspector Frank Inah, said are punishable under Section 419 390(b) (6) and 69 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 17, vol. 2, laws of Lagos State 2003.

Count one of the charge reads: “That you Peter Osamgbi on or about 8 April, 2009 at Golden Plaza, Lagos Island, in the Lagos Magisterial District did obtain customised sport wears worth N4,900,000 from Mrs. Chioma Adeoye under false pretence that you would pay back the proceeds from the sales of the goods, a representation you knew to be false.”

The accused pleaded not guilty and the presiding magistrate, Mrs. C. J. Momodu, granted him bail in the sum of N800,000 with one surety in like sum who must produce evidence of tax payment to Lagos State government.

She adjourned the matter till 7 November, 2011.

— Paul Iyoghojie