Woman arraigned for failing to produce fleeing husband released on bail in Lagos

By Bayonle Adegbola

The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned a woman identified as Cynthia Ukachukwu before a Magistrate’s Court sitting in Yaba for failing to produce her fleeing husband, Augustine, after he was released to her on bail.

Police prosecutor Haruna Magaji reportedly informed the Magistrate that Augustine Ukachukwu was arraigned for obtaining money by false pretences and stealing N2.2m from Grace Uzoigwe under the pretence of selling a parcel of land to her.

He said, “Cynthia and her husband, who disguised as a pastor, in March 2018, promised to sell a parcel of land that was partially developed to Uzoigwe, and convinced her to pay N2.2m into Augustine’s bank account. After making payment, the couple, however, failed to fulfil their end of the transaction, and Uzoigwe asked for a refund, but the duo allegedly refused and began to threaten her.

“Uzoigwe reported the matter to the police, and Augustine was picked up and later released to his wife Cynthia, who stood as a surety after signing a bail bond on the 2nd of March 2021, with a promise to always be available whenever the police authority needed his presence in the pending matter, a promise she failed to uphold before her arrest.

“The offence contravened and is punishable under Section 97 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.”

Cynthia pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Magistrate Adefope granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two responsible sureties and adjourned the case till the 9th of May, 2023.