Businessman, 48, docked for allegedly cheating customer

A 48-year-old businessman, Ibrahim Shehu, on Thursday, appeared before a Gwagwalada Chief Magistrates’ Court, charged with defrauding a man of N1.5million on the pretext of selling a car to him.

The police arraigned Shehu, a resident of Old Kutunku, Gwagwalada, Abuja, on a two-count charge of criminal breach of trust and cheating.

The prosecution counsel, Mr Dabo Yakubu, told the court that the matter was reported by Faruk Danladi of Area 7, Garki, Abuja, on Jan. 29.

Yakubu said that the complainant, on Nov. 18, 2020, gave the defendant a sum of N1.5 million to buy a Toyota Corolla car for him.

He said that the defendant converted the said money to his own personal use.

The prosecutor said that the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 312 and 322 of the Penal Code.

Section 312 states that whoever commits criminal breach of trust shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years with option of fine or both.

While Section 322 states that whoever cheats shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years with option of fine or both.

The defense counsel, Mr Okere Chamberline, urged the court to grant his client bail in most liberal terms.

He cited sections 158,162 and 163 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) to support his plea.

The Chief Magistrate, Munir Sani admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum who must reside within the jurisdiction of the court.

Sani said that the first surety must provide his/her driver’s license and a statement of account containing N1 million.

He said that the second surety must provide his/ her Certificate of Occupancy (CofO), National Identity Card or drivers license.

The Magistrate said that if the defendant failed to meet the bail condition, he should be remanded in prison custody.

Sani adjourned the case until April 12 for hearing.