MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 29-year old man, Abakwam Emmanuel, has been arrested and charged in Lagos State for allegedly swindling a cleric, Rev. Francis Okeremgbo, to the tune of N8.5m under false pretence.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened at Niran Folowesele Street at Peace and Unity Estate, Isheri Oshun area of Lagos.
The victim, Pastor Okeremgbo, suffered his fate after he entrusted two Toyota Corolla cars to the suspect, Emmanuel, to sell for him. The victim had said that he should take any profit on the cars and return the value of the cars to him.
However, after Emmanuel sold the cars and made his own profit, he bolted away with the money and did not send any money back to the complainant, Pastor Okeremgbo, as they had agreed earlier.
The matter was reported to the Police at Isheri Oshun Division and the suspect was trailed. He was eventually arrested and detained at the station for interrogation over his alleged criminal conduct.
During interrogation, Emmanuel admitted to have sold the cars and converted the money to his own use because he was facing financial challenges and had to spend the money.
The Police found him culpable and consequently charged him before the Ejigbo Magistrate Court for conduct likely to cause breach of public peace and conversion under the Criminal law of the State.
He pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned.
The prosecutor, Inspector Simeon Njue, 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, Mrs. A.K. Dosumu-Utham, granted him bail in the sum of N1m with two sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment including addresses verified by the Court.
The matter was adjourned till 5th 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.