CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 56-year-old businesswoman, Feyishara Kuku, was arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court in Ogba over alleged conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence and stealing the sum of N30,000,000 in Banana Island, Lagos.
According to the charge sheet marked ma/F/34/26/2026, filed by the Commissioner of Police, the offences were allegedly committed on June 25, 2026 at No 8, Ashley Mews, Olori Mojibola Estate, Banana Island Road, Lagos, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
The prosecution alleged in Count I that Feyishara Kuku conspired with others to commit felony, to wit: obtaining by false pretense. The offence was said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
In Count II, the charge stated that on the same date, time and place, the defendant allegedly obtained the sum of N30,000,000 from one Adeola Kotey under the pretence of selling iron rods, a representation which she knew to be false. The offence is punishable under Section 314 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
Count III alleged that the defendant also stole the sum of N30,000,000, property of the same Adeola Kotey. The offence is punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
Section 314 of the Lagos State Criminal Law deals with obtaining money or property by false pretence. Section 287 covers stealing, while Section 411 addresses conspiracy to commit a felony. Convictions under these sections attract various terms of imprisonment depending on the circumstances and value involved.
The matter was investigated by officers of the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja. The IPO listed on the charge sheet was Cpl. Irighogbe Peace. The case was handled under the supervision of CSP Omolola Odutola.
Prosecution is being led by SP Phillip Ademigbuji of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.
Presiding over the matter, Magistrate Mrs. O. Kasunu took the plea of the defendant. After listening to submissions from both the prosecution and defence, the court granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N30,000,000.
The bail conditions include two sureties in like sum. The sureties are required to show evidence of means of livelihood and evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government. The court also ordered that the addresses of the sureties be verified by the court registrar.
Following the ruling, the defendant was remanded in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the perfection of her bail conditions. The court further directed that the case file be duplicated and forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, DPP, for legal advice.
Legal practitioners note that obtaining by false pretence cases often involve the presentation of documents, receipts, or business agreements to establish intent. The court will rely on evidence presented by both parties during trial to determine culpability.
The case has been adjourned to a later date for mention and compliance with the DPP’s advice. The court registry at Ogba Magistrate Court is handling further proceedings.
Authorities have advised members of the public to exercise due diligence when entering into large business transactions. The Lagos State Government has repeatedly warned against business fraud and urged residents to verify the authenticity of vendors and request proper documentation before making payments.
The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction, in accordance with Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.