Contractor in court over alleged N42m fraud

A 40-year-old contractor, Chukwuma Matthew, who allegedly obtained the sum of N42 million under false pretences, on Wednesday, appeared before a Lagos Magistrates’ Court, Igbosere.

The defendant, whose address was not given, is standing trial on a two-count charge of fraud and stealing.

The Prosecutor, ASP Haruna Ibrahim, told the court that the defendant committed the offences between October 2019 and November 2019 at Plot 391/393, old Ojo Road, Abule-Ado, Lagos.

He said that the defendant fraudulently obtained the sum of N42 million from the complainant, Mr Chinedu Orakwe, under the guise of using the money for piling three tanks base at Lekki free trade zone, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

The prosecutor said that the defendant failed to pile up the three tanks but converted the said money to his own use and piling is a technique that sets deep foundations for any form of construction work, such as buildings.

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

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him.

The Magistrate, Mr A. A. Paul, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N2 million, with two sureties in like sum.

He said that the sureties must show evidence of three- year tax payment to the Lagos State government.

The magistrate also said that the sureties must deposit N1 million each to the court registrar’s account.

The case was adjourned till March 31, for mention.