CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 48-year-old man has been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court over allegations of conspiracy, fraud, and stealing involving N24,400,000 in a Lexus RX 350 transaction, according to a charge sheet obtained by http://pmexpressng.com. The charge sheet lists the Commissioner of Police as complainant against Michael Chinedu Ezurike, male, 48 years old, and others at large. The alleged incident is said to have occurred on January 13, 2025, at Magodo, Lagos, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
According to the document, Count One alleged that Michael Chinedu Ezurike and others at large conspired together to commit felony to wit stealing. The offence is said to be punishable under Section 411, Cap CH, C17 Vol. 3 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.
Count Two of the charge sheet accused the defendant and others at large of obtaining money by false pretence. It stated that with intent to defraud, they allegedly obtained the sum of N24,400,000 from one Jude Ukaefu Ndubuisi under the pretence of selling a Lexus RX 350, 2013 model, which was not fulfilled.
The charge sheet stated that the alleged offence of obtaining by false pretence is punishable under Section 314(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015. The document indicated the transaction was related to the sale of the Lexus RX 350 vehicle.
Count Three specifically accused Michael Chinedu Ezurike of stealing the sum of N24,400,000 belonging to Jude Ukaefu Ndubuisi. The alleged stealing offence is said to be punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.
The charge sheet showed the matter was approved by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, DPP, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Office, Ogba. The LCIS number on the document is listed as S NO 0526/7225712.
Court documents list CSP Maishanu Sunday Rieni, Officer in Charge of Tactical Team, Isheri-Magodo, Lagos, in connection with the case. The Investigating Police Officer is identified as Inspector Ayogu Evaristus.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty before the court.
The prosecutor, SP Philip Ademigbuji, asked the court to give a date for hearing to enable the Police to provide evidence.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O. Kusanu, granted the defendant bail with two sureties, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment, while addresses must be verified by the court.
The defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.
Section 314(1) of the Lagos Criminal Law deals with obtaining property by false pretence, while Section 287 covers stealing. Both offences attract various terms of imprisonment upon conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction.
http://pmexpressng.com notes that all persons accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. This report is based solely on allegations contained in the charge sheet obtained from court records. Vehicle-related fraud cases remain a concern for Lagos residents and car buyers. Members of the public are advised to verify vehicle documents and payment details through official channels before making large transactions. Efforts to reach the defendant’s counsel for comment were ongoing at press time.