MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 31-year old man, Umenze Uchenna, has been charged in Lagos State for allegedly swindling a man, Livinus Akpabio, of the sum of 20m Japanese Yen, which is equivalent of N199m and using it to buy choice properties including Lexus RX 350 car.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened between August and September, 2025 in Agege area of Lagos.
The alleged fraud was reported to the Commissioner of Police Special Investigations Department. The operatives moved into action, eventually arrested the suspect and detained him at the Command for interrogation over his alleged conduct against the complainant.
During the interrogation, the Police discovered that he used the proceed of the alleged fraud to purchase chioce properties worth millions of Naira.
The Police found him culpable and charged him before the Ogba Magistrate Court for the alleged offence which attracts several years of imprisonment.
The charges read:
“That you, Umenze Uchenna ‘m’ and others now at large, around August and September, 2025, in Agege, Lagos State; in the Ikeja Magisterial District, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit felony to wit: Stealing and thereby committed an offence under Section 411 of the Criminal laws of Lagos State 2015.”
COUNT II:”That you, Umenze Uchenna ‘m’ and others now at large, on the same date and at the aforementioned Magisterial District, did steal twenty Million Japanese Yen, equivalent to about One hundred and Ninety-nine Million Naira, property of Livinus Akpa, proceed of fraud for which you and others used in acquiring a Japanese RX 350 car and other properties, and thereby committed an offence under Section 280 & 283 and punishable under Section 287 Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.
However, he pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Supol Josephine Ihkayere, 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. L.A.Owolabi, granted him bail with two sureties who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment while addresses will be verified by the Court.
The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the correctional center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.