Kaduna: Businessman charged with N9.8m fraud

By Adeyanju Esther

A 45-year-old businessman, Philip David was brought before a Kaduna Chief Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, accused of committing car tyre fraud amounting to N9.8 million.

The defendant, a resident of Barnawa, Kaduna, is facing trial on three counts: conspiracy, theft, and fraud.

The prosecutor, Insp. Chidi Leo, informed the court that the defendant committed the offences in September 2023 on Taiwo Road along Ahmadu Bello Way in Kaduna.

Leo stated that the defendant received N9.8 million from Vincent and Sons Investment Limited to supply car tyres of various sizes.

The prosecutor noted that the defendant failed to supply the tyres for one year and refused to refund the money.

He added that the offences violated Sections 285, 217, and 241 of the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Chief Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel granted him bail in the amount of N1 million, requiring two sureties in the same sum.

Emmanuel ordered that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and be gainfully employed, providing evidence of tax payment to the Kaduna State Government.

He adjourned the case until October 23 for hearing.