A 31-year-old man, Gabriel Iorlaha, has been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding a company of N10.2 million while posing as one of its employees.
Iorlaha, who lives in Oworonshoki, Lagos, was brought before Magistrate L.A. Owolabi on Thursday on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, stealing, and impersonation.
Prosecutor SP Josephine Ikhayere told the court that the defendant and others still at large committed the offences between April 2019 and December 2022 within the Ikeja Magisterial District. She alleged that Iorlaha conspired to obtain the money belonging to Bodye Beautiful Nigeria and converted it to his personal use.
The charges contravene Sections 411, 314(1)(2)(3), 287(7), and 380(1) of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015. The provisions prescribe jail terms of up to 14 years for fraud, seven years for stealing, and three years for impersonation.
Iorlaha pleaded not guilty to the charges. Magistrate Owolabi granted him bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum, one of whom must provide evidence of tax payment.
The case was adjourned until October 2 for a hearing.