MICHAEL AKINOLA
A trader at Alaba International Market, Romanus Okoye, has been arrested in Lagos State for allegedly swindling his customer, Bello Sheriffdeen, to the tune of N8.743m under the false pretence of converting the money to Chinese currency.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened at the market located in Ojo area of Lagos.
According to the Police, the suspect contacted the victim and convinced him that he had Chinese currency, which he can change for him with the Naira equivalent to the amount in question.
The victim reportedly paid him the money and he promised to bring the money equivalent to him, which he never did. Rather he absconded with the money, went into hiding and disconnected every communication he had with the victim.
The matter was reported to the Commissioner of Police Special Squad, who moved into action to apprehend the suspect. The operatives tracked Okoye, arrested and detained him at the Command for interrogation over his alleged criminal conduct.
During interrogation, the suspect admitted to have collected the said money but has spent it as he had no Chinese currency to give to the victim as the equivalent of the money he collected from him.
The Police found him culpable and consequently charged him before the Ogba Magistrate Court for obtaining money under false pretence and stealing.
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However, he pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned.
The prosecutor, Inspector Evelyn, then asked the Court to give a date for hearing since he pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove that he actually committed the alleged offence.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mr. M.A. Adegbaye, granted him bail in the sum of N500,000 two sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and addresses verified by the Court.
The matter was adjourned till 9th January, 2024, for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the correctional centre at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.