Woman, 27, Charged With N106m Theft

A Lagos-based businesswoman Titilayo Nosa Igiebor, 27, has been arrested by operatives at the Special Fraud Unit, Milverton Road, Ikoyi, Southwest Nigeria and arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on 11-count charge of felony to wit, stealing the sum of N106 million.

The police prosecutor alleged that the accused was arrested following a complaint by the management of Nichole International Investment Ltd. that the accused, between October and December 2011 at 75 Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria, obtained by false pretence N46 million on behalf of Titimajo Nigeria Ltd.— 26 October, 2011, she obtained N5 million with Zenith Bank Plc cheque No.64820553 dated 21 October 2011 valued at N2 million and cheque No.64820550 dated 14 October, 2011 valued at N3 million.

The police also alleged that on 19 October and December 2011, she obtained N10 million. On 27 May and 17 June, 2011 obtained another N6 million. On 6 October and 13 December, 2011 she obtained yet another N7.7 million from Ando on Peter Omokaro.

The defendant on 18 January and December 2011 at Shonibare Estate in Lagos also obtained $101,591 from Peter Omokaro to incorporate a company, a representation she knew was false.

She was also accused of stealing a Toyota Venza 2010 model with registration number CT370FKJ valued at N2 million, property of Nichole Integrated Ltd, obtained credit facility of N45 million from Nichole Integrated Investment Ltd paid into her account No. 0007170411 and No.0007170404 at the Opebi branch of GT Bank, Ikeja, Lagos and $282,000 equivalent to N46 million on investment, a representation she also knew was false.

The offences, according to the prosecutor, SP Emerho Frank, are punishable under Sections 409, 312(b), 285(10) 313 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

The accused pleaded not guilty to all the charges which were read to her in the court and the presiding magistrate, Mrs. A. F. O. Abegunde Davies, granted her bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum.

The magistrate also directed that one of the sureties must be a landed property owner within the magisterial district and adjourned the matter till 27 April, 2012 for mention.

The accused was moved to Kirikiri Prison when she could not meet her bail conditions.

—Paul Iyoghojie