Businessman, 35, in court over alleged N1m fraud

A 35-year-old businessman, Gbenga Anjorin, was on Wednesday brought before a Yaba Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over alleged  N1 million fraud.

Anjorin, a resident of Yaba area of Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining under false pretences.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Prosecutor, Mr I.O. Hodonu, told the court that the defendant committed the offences sometime in November 2020, at Yaba, Lagos.

Hodonu said that the defendant collected the sum of N1 million from the complainant, Mr Sodiq Lawal, with a promise to supply cocoa to him.

He said that the defendant did not supply the cocoa to the complainant as promised or refund the money.

The prosecutor said that the complainant reported the matter to the police, leading to the arrest of the defendant.

He said the offences contravened Sections 314 and 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

Section 314 provides 15 years imprisonment for obtaining under false pretences, while section 411 stipulates two years imprisonment for conspiracy.

The Chief Magistrate, Adeola Adedayo, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Adedayo directed that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and be gainfully employed with evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The case was adjourned until March 2, for mention.