A Magistrates’ Court in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory, has arraigned a man, Emmanuel Otokpa, for allegedly defrauding a customer after receiving payment for a consignment of Jerusalem honey which he failed to supply.
Otokpa, who is said to have no fixed address, is facing two counts of criminal breach of trust and cheating.
The prosecutor, Abdullahi Tanko, informed the court that the complainant, Mr Ifeanyi Nwankwo, reported the matter to the police on 28 June 2025.
Tanko explained that Nwankwo paid Otokpa a total of ₦182,000, including transport fees, in June 2024 for 182 pieces of Jerusalem honey. However, the defendant allegedly diverted the funds for personal use and failed to deliver the goods as agreed.
The prosecutor stated that the alleged offences are contrary to Sections 312 and 322 of the Penal Code.
Otokpa pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Magistrate Olatunji Oladunmoye granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦200,000, with one surety in the same amount. The surety must provide a verifiable address.
The case was adjourned to 22 July 2025 for further hearing.