Businessman docked for alleged N2m fraud

A 47-year-old businessman, Geofray Ezeh, charged with obtaining N2 million with pretext of supplying a generator on Friday dragged before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The defendant, who resides at Ikeja, Lagos State, was arraigned before Magistrate Mrs Ejiro Kubeinje, on a two- count charge of obtaining money under false pretences and stealing.

Ezeh, however, denied committing the offences and was admitted to a bail of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Kubeinje said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The Prosecution Counsel, ASP. Bisi Ogunleye, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on July 1, at Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Lagos State.

He said that the defendant fraudulently obtained the money from Mr Abada Martin with pretext of helping him to buy a 200 KVA diesel generator, a presentation, he knew to be false.

“The defendant called the complainant, telling him that he just saw a generator which he (complanant) will need for his business.

“He persuaded the complainant to send him the money so that he can help him buy it.

“But after the complainant sent the money, the defendant did not buy any generator nor did he refund the money.

“When the efforts made by the complainant to retrieve his money failed, he reported the case leading to the defendant’s arrest,” he said.

The alleged offences violate sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Report states that section 287 stipulates three years’ imprisonment for stealing, while section 314 prescribes 15 years for obtaining money under false pretence.

The magistrate adjourned the case until Oct. 20 for mention.