Man, 39, Docked For Swindling Micro Finance Bank N20m With Dude Cheque

MICHAEL AKINOLA

A 39-year old man, Olaleye Abdulrafiu, has landed in trouble in Lagos State for allegedly swindling Jessefied Micro Finance Bank to the tune of the sum of N20m with a dude cheque and was later caught.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the suspect,  Abdulrafiu, has been arrested and charged for stealing.

The incident happened at Omotayo Street, Ogba area of Lagos, where the bank is located.

According to the Police, Abdulrafiu went to the bank on 20th March, 2023, obtained a loan to the tune of the said amount and promised to pay back at an agreed date. Unknown to the bank management, he had another plan to defraud the bank.

When the time he promised to repay the loan was due, he wrote a cheque and presented to the management, who did not suspect any foul play until they later went to withdraw the money.

When the cheque was presented for clearing, it was discovered that the account was empty because Abdulrafiu had no money in the account from which he presented the cheque to Jessefield Micro Finance Bank.

After presenting the cheque, he reportedly went into hiding and disconnected every form of communication he had with the bank so that the management will not trace him.

The matter was reported to the Police, who trailed and eventually arrested him. It was then discovered that Abdulrafiu had no money to pay to the bank and deliberately presented the cheque to deceive the management.

The Police found him culpable and consequently charged him before the Ogba Magistrate Court for the alleged offence, which contravened the provisions of Sections 321,287 and 315 of the Criminal Code and attracts several years of imprisonment.

However, he pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned.

The prosecutor,  Inspector Lucky Ihiehie, 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. O.A. Layinka, 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.

The defendant was remanded in custody at the correctional center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions while the matter was adjourned for mention.