Man, 47, Allegedly Swindles Businessman Of N24.2m Under False Pretence

P.M.EXPRESS reports that in 2024, the suspect obtained the money in question under the guise of sending the money to his Client in China for goods he purchased from him. However, instead of the suspect to pay the money to the complainant’s client in China as they agreed, he reportedly diverted the money and went into hiding.

The complainant was unable to reach him because he disconnected every communication with the complainant and did not return the money as well.

The matter was reported to the Commissioner of Police Special Squad 2 at the Command in Ikeja, who moved into action, eventually arrested the suspect and detained him at the Command for interrogation over his alleged conduct.

After rounds of interrogation, the Police found him culpable because he did not send the money rather he forged receipt documents as prove of transfer payment of the money, which turned out to be forged documents.

He was subsequently charged before the Ebute Metta Magistrate Court for forgery and obtaining under false pretence.

The charges read:

COUNT I: “That you, Silas Umeh  sometime in 2024, in Lagos within the Lagos Magisterial District, did obtained the sum of Twenty Four Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N24,200,000:00k) from one Kingsley Iheanacho under the guise of sending the money to his client in China for goods he purchased from him, a representation you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 314 of the Criminal law of Lagos State 2015.”

COUNT II:”That you, Silas Umeh, on the same date, time and place, and in the aforementioned Magisterial district, did steal the sum of Twenty Four Million, wo Hundred Thousand Naira (N24,200,000:00k) from one Kingsley Iheanacho and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 287 of the criminal law of Lagos State 2015.”

COUNT III:”That you, Silas Umeh, on the same date, time and place, and in the aforementioned Magisterial district, did forge receipts of payment of the sum of N24,200,000:00 in Chinese to the client of one Kingsley Ihenacho, who owns the money and instructed you to do so.”

However, he pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Supol Paul Ugorji, 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.

Thus, the Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O.M.Ajayi, 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.