The Police on Thursday arraigned a 42-year-old man, Tochukwu Echendu, before an Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly defrauding a businessman of N3.5 million.
Echendu is facing a three-count charge of obtaining by false pretence, fraud, and stealing, but he pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, ASP Simon Uche, told the court that the defendant, along with others still at large, committed the offence between April and May 2024 at Alaba Rago, Ojo.
Uche alleged that Echendu obtained the money from Mr. Nick Okoro under the pretext of supplying empty rice bags for business purposes, but failed to deliver the goods and allegedly diverted the funds.
He said the offences contravene Sections 287, 314, and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Magistrate Lateef Layeni granted the defendant bail (details not fully disclosed in court) and adjourned the case for further hearing.