Businesswoman in court over alleged N6m fraud

A businesswoman, Elizabeth Showami, 42, who allegedly collected N6 million from a man on the pretext of supplying him 10 mini buses, on Tuesday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

The police charged Showami, who resides in Iyana-Odo, Ijoko area of Lagos,  with conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretences and stealing.

She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Prosecutor, ASP Raji Akeem, told the court that the defendant with some persons at large committed the offences on Dec. 17, 2020, at Ikota Road, Etiosa, Lagos.

Akeem alleged that Showami, who claimed having the buses in her warehouse, collected N6 million from the complainant, Eric Igbinoghene, with a promise to supply 10 to him.

“Showami collected the money and failed to deliver the buses as promised and converted the money to personal use,’’ the prosecutor said.

He said the offences contravened Sections 411, 314 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Report gathered says  that Section 287 provides 14 years imprisonment for offenders, while Section 314 stipulates 15 years for obtaining credit under false pretences.

The Magistrate, Mrs O. I. Adelaja, granted N500,000 bail to the defendant, with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case until Feb. 23 for mention.