A 46-year-old businessman, Ekenedilichukwu Johnpaul, was arraigned by the Police in Lagos on Friday for allegedly obtaining a Toyota Hiace worth eight million Naira on false pretences.
The defendant, who resides on Igala Estate, Ejigbo, Lagos State, is facing charges of conspiracy and obtaining by false pretences and stealing.
He, however, pleaded not guilty before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.
The prosecutor, Inspector Innocent Odugbo, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on December 18, 2019, at Ladipo area of Mushin, Lagos State.
Odugbo alleged that the complainant, Mr Ikechukwu Esemonu, entrusted his Toyota Hiace to the defendant to sell it for him.
The prosecutor told the court that the defendant was to pay the proceeds to the complainant’s bank account.
The prosecutor alleged that the defendant sold the bus and converted the proceeds to his personal use.
He said that efforts by the complainant to recover the money failed.
The alleged offences contravene Sections 287,314 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The Magistrate, Mr M. F. Onamusi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of one million Naira with two sureties in like sum.
Onamusi adjourned the case until September 21 for mention.