Transporter arraigned for diverting N12m worth of property in Lagos

By Sodiq Adelakun

A 36-year-old transporter, Raphael Umezuruike, on Wednesday appeared before a Sabo-Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State, for alleged diversion of property worth N12 million.

Umezuruike, whose address was not provided, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining money by pretences and stealing.

He, however,  pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, DSP Thomas Nurudeen, told the court that Umezuruike committed the offences from May  19, 202, to May 24, 2022, at Apapa Wharf in Lagos State.

He alleged that Umezuruike obtained N1.4 million from the complainant, Mr Tadese Mojeed, on the pretext of tranporting for him a 20ft container of Mica products valued at N12 million.He submitted that Umezuruike and his accomplices diverted the container to another location with the intention to sell the products and share the proceeds.

Nurudeen said that the contravened Sections 287 (5) (a), 314 (1) (a) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

It was gathered that Section 287 prescribes three years’ imprisonment for stealing.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Peter Nwaka, granted Umezuruike bail in the sum of N1 million with two  sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case until March 20 for substantive trial.