N2.7m 419: Ex-LCDA Adviser Arraigned

The Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos State, southwest Nigeria, have also arraigned Mr. Soye Tabiti,  a former Special Adviser on Agriculture to an LCDA chairman in Lagos at the Igbosere Magistrate Court for obtaining money under false pretence.

The police alleged in the charge that the accused was arrested, following complaints from Ani Uchenna that the he (accuse) allegedly collected N2.7 million from him on the pretence of assisting him to buy bags of rice and beans at cheaper rates as the special adviser on agriculture to the LCDA chairman which he knew was false and that all efforts by him to recover the money from the accused proved abortive.

The accused was alleged to have approached the victim to part with the money to get the farm produce from the LCDA since he was a Special Adviser on Agriculture in the LCDA and the victim believed him but he allegedly turned out to be dishonourable in his conduct.

After investigation, the accused was charged to court for stealing.

The offences, according to the police prosecutor, Inspector Marcus Okon, are contrary to and punishable under Section 419 and 390 of the Criminal Code, Cap. C17, vol. ii, laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

The two-count charge reads: “That you Soye Tabiti, 48, sometimes in the month of August 2010 at 22, Ikosi Road in the Lagos Magisterial District, did steal the sum of N2.7 million, property of Ani Uchenna, a trader.”

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and the presiding magistrate, Mr. Martins, granted him bail with two sureties in the sum of N500,000.

The sureties, according to magistrate, must provide evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State government for the past three years.

He adjourned the matter.

The accused was remanded at Ikoyi Prison when he could not meet his bail conditions.

—Paul Iyoghojie