By Sodiq Adelakun
A 29-year-old man, Ayomide Lukmon, has been brought before the Sabo Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly defrauding a client of N450,000.
Lukmon, who resides in the Yaba area of Lagos, is facing charges of obtaining money under false pretenses, breach of public peace, and stealing.
According to the prosecutor, Insp Magaji Haruna, the defendant collected the sum of N450,000 from the complainant, Mr Adetokunbo Adelegun, with the promise of constructing an iron rail fence.
However, Lukmon failed to fulfill his promise and instead converted the money for personal use.
Haruna further stated that when Adelegun demanded either the completion of the job or a refund, Lukmon acted in a manner likely to breach the peace.
The charges against Lukmon are in violation of Sections 287, 168 (d), and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. Section 287 carries a maximum sentence of three years imprisonment for stealing, while Section 314 provides for a maximum of 15 years imprisonment for fraud.
During the court hearing, Lukmon pleaded not guilty to all the charges. The Magistrate, Mrs O. A Adefope, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000, with two sureties who must provide evidence of three years tax payments to the Lagos State Government.
The case has been adjourned until September 22 for mention.