A 35-year-old businesswoman, Blessing Atanda, was arraigned on Friday before the Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly defrauding a woman of ₦460,000.
The defendant, whose residential address was not disclosed, is facing two counts—fraud and theft.
According to the prosecutor, Inspector Edet Ekpo, the incident occurred around 9:00 a.m. on March 3 at Ile Epo Bus Stop, located along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway in Badagry.
Ekpo told the court that Atanda allegedly received ₦460,000 from the complainant, Mrs. Rabiu Ayo, under false pretences. Instead of using the funds for the agreed purpose, the defendant reportedly diverted the money for personal use without the complainant’s approval.
He added that the accused was subsequently apprehended and handed over to the police for legal action.
The prosecutor noted that the charges brought against her are in violation of Sections 314 and 287 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.
Atanda pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
Presiding over the matter, Chief Magistrate Nurudeen Layeni granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦500,000, with two sureties required in the same amount. The court specified that one of the sureties must be self-employed.
The case was adjourned to August 28 for further hearing.