Lagos clearing agent Aigbokhaode arraigned in N4.2m Apple Juice scam

By Paul Iyoghojie

A clearing agent based at the Apapa port, Jude Aigbokhaode, 41, has been arrested by the Lagos Police for allegedly defrauding a businesswoman, Funmilayo Akinola, of a staggering N4.2 million.

Aigbokhaode is accused of deceiving the complainant with promises of clearing a container filled with apple juice, only to abscond with the money for his own use.

Police officials said that the defendant approached the victim, assuring her of his ability to clear the container, and subsequently collected the large sum.

However, once the money was in his hands, Aigbokhaode switched off his phones and vanished.

It wasn’t long before the police, through diligent tracking and intelligence gathering, arrested the suspect at a hideout in Lagos.

Following an investigation led by ASP Rekcatu Yusuf, Aigbokhaode was arraigned before the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court on charges of obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.

According to police, the incident took place on 8 July, 2023 at Tin Can Island Port, Apapa.

Despite his arrest, Aigbokhaode pleaded not guilty to the charges. In response, Chief Magistrate K.K. Awoyinka granted him N1 million bail with two sureties in like sum.

The case has been adjourned to 29 December 2024, with the defendant to remain in detention at the Ikoyi correctional facility until he meets the bail conditions.