MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 30-year old man, Monday Ani, has been arrested and charged in Lagos State for allegedly swindling a top military officer, Lt Col. M.J. Akpan, of the sum of N1.8m inside Barracks under false pretence.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened at Manyoung Barracks at Morocco Road, Shomolu area of Lagos.
The complainant fell into the suspect’s trap after his KIA Sorento SUV with registration number, APP 708HD developed fault and needed to be repaired. He met the suspect, who claimed that he will repair the vehicle and asked him to pay the money in question.
The complianant raised, paid him the said money and he promised to go and buy the spare parts, which he will use to repair the vehicle. And that was the last time Col. Akpan set his eyes on him before his arrest.
He reportedly bolted away with the money and disconnected every communication with the complainant and did not return since June, 2023.
The matter was reported to the Police at Onipanu Division. The Police operatives moved into action, eventually arrested and detained him at the station for interrogation over his alleged conduct.
After rounds of interrogation, the Police found him culpable as he was said to have spent the whole money and had nothing to refund to the owner, Col. Akpan.
The Police consequently charged him before the Yaba Magistrate Court for the alleged offence, which attracts several years of imprisonment.
He pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned.
The prosecutor, Supol Thomas Nurudeen, 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. P. Nwaka, granted him bail in the sum of N400, 000 with four sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and addresses verified by the Court.
The matter was adjourned till 27th March, 2024, for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the correctional centre pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.