A 53-year-old man, Anicma Chiedozie Amadi, has been arraigned before the Ojo Magistrate Court in Lagos over alleged conspiracy, fraud and stealing involving the sum of ₦8.5 million.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged incident occurred at Volks, within the Magisterial District of Lagos. The document states that Amadi and others now at large allegedly conspired among themselves to commit an offence relating to CBT/Scheming.
The first count accused the suspects of conspiracy, an offence said to be contrary to the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria.
In the second count, the defendants were alleged to have fraudulently obtained the sum of Eight Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira from one Mrs. Lovelyn Alagbaoso. The money was reportedly collected under the pretence of supplying her fairly used television sets, which were allegedly never delivered. This is said to be punishable under the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria.
The third count further alleged that Amadi and others stole the same sum of money, property of Mrs. Alagbaoso, at the same time and place. The offence was also listed as punishable under the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria.
The charge was signed by CSP Opeifa Omolola, Divisional Police Officer. The investigating officer listed on the document was PC Hezekiah Pafenoh of the Ojo Division.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all counts.
The prosecutor, ASP Esther Adesulu, asked the Court to give a date for hearing to enable the Police to prove the allegations.
The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O.M. Ogun, granted him bail in the sum of ₦1 million with two sureties in like sum. The sureties are required to show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.
The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Center pending the perfection of his bail conditions.
Legal experts say the charges of conspiracy, obtaining by false pretenses and stealing are serious offences under Lagos State law. The document noted that other suspects linked to the case remain at large as Police continue investigations.
Mrs. Alagbaoso’s complaint, as contained in the document, highlights concerns around high-value business transactions and the need for due diligence.
The court is expected to continue proceedings on the matter. All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.