Agent Bolts With Client’s Money

A clearing agent, Ismaila Rafiu, who allegedly collected N250,000 from a man as clearing charges for his car, on Tuesday appeared before a Surulere, Lagos, Magistrates’ Court on a two-count charge of fraud and stealing.

Rafiu, 39, who resides at Okomaiko, pleaded not guilty.

The Investigation Police Officer (IPO), Corporal Mbereve Merve, who stood in for the prosecutor, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on December 22, 2011 in Surulere, Lagos.

He said Rafiu obtained N250,000 from Wasiu Onasanya to clear his Toyota Corolla salon car.

“The accused collected the money and absconded with it without clearing the car as promised,” Merve said.

He said the offences contravened Sections 285(1) and 312(3) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

In her ruling, Magistrate A. O. Soladoye admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N120,000 and two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to March 3.

In another development, a 23-year-old barber, Nathaniel Bassey, appeared before the court for allegedly causing a breach of the peace.

Bassey of 14, Olaitan St., Aguda, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

But the IPO, Cpl. Eigbokhan Tony, told the court the defendant committed the offence at his residence when he abused one Asuquo Ukpong on January 30.

He said the offence contravened Section 249 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

The magistrate granted the accused bail in the sum of N20,000 and two sureties in like sum.

The case has been adjourned to March 3 for mention.