A 34-year old man, Delight Chinedu, has been arrested and charged in Lagos State for allegedly swindling a man, Obiechinna Nathaniel Uchenna, to the tune of N34m under the false pretence of purchasing a Mercedes Benz for him.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened on Lagos Island sometime in April, 2024.
According to the Police, the suspect told the complainant that he had connection to assist him to buy the Mercedes Benz abroad and the victim trusted and gave him the money.
However, after he collected the money, he bolted away, disconnected every communication he had with the complainant and went into hiding.
The matter was reported to the Police at State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, Lagos. The operatives moved into action, eventually arrested and detained him for interrogation over his alleged conduct.
After interrogation, the Police found him culpable and consequently charged him before the Ebute Metta Magistrate Court for the alleged offence which attracts several years of imprisonment.
The charges read :
COUNT I: “That you, Delight Chinedu ‘M’ in the month of April 2024 to month of July 2024, within the Lagos Island, Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did conduct yourself in an unlawful manner to cause breach of peace by collecting the sum of Thirty Four Million Naira (N34,000,000.00) from the hand of one Mr. Obiechinna Nathaniel Uchenna ‘M’ and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 168 (d) of the. Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.”
COUNT II: “That you, Delight Chinedu ‘M’ on the same day, time and place at the aforesaid Magisterial District did steal the sum of Thirty Four Million Naira (N34,000,000.00) property of one Mr. Obiechinna Nathaniel Uchenna ‘M’ with intent to help him to buy one Mercedes Benz GLA45 model 2016 and diverted his money to your personal use, and thereby committed an offence Contrary to Section 280 (1) (a) and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.”
He pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Inspector Okosun James, 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. F.M.Kayode-Alamu, 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 pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.