MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 49-year-old man, Vincent Ekpeyong, was arraigned on Wednesday before a Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Ejigbo over allegations of obtaining money under false pretence and stealing. The case was filed by the Commissioner of Police and heard in the Lagos Magisterial District.
According to the charge sheet dated 20th May, 2026 and signed by CSP Adeleke Ojajuni of Shasha Division, the defendant is facing a two-count charge. The document stated that the alleged incident occurred on 21st April, 2026, at No. 8/10 Adaramoye Street, Egbeda area of Lagos.
On the charge sheet, it was alleged that Vincent Ekpeyong obtained the sum of Three Million, Three Hundred Thousand Naira, N3,300,000, under false pretence.
According to the prosecution, he allegedly claimed to have the right or authority to let a three-bedroom apartment to one Uzouli Emmanuel, knowing he had no such right.
The prosecutor alleged that the complainant, Uzouli Emmanuel, paid the money to the defendant based on that representation. The charge sheet stated that the act allegedly contravened Section 314(b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which prescribes punishment for obtaining by false pretence.
In Count 2, the charge sheet further alleged that on the same date, time, and place, the defendant stole the sum of N3,300,000, property of Uzouli Emmanuel. The prosecution stated that the offence allegedly contravened Section 280 and is punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Legal practitioners say Section 314(b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 deals with obtaining property by false pretence. They explain that for conviction, the prosecution must prove that the defendant made a false representation, knew it was false, and obtained money because of it.
According to criminal law analysts, Section 287 of the same law prescribes imprisonment for stealing. They noted that the length of imprisonment depends on the value of property and circumstances of the case, and sentencing is at the discretion of the court after trial and conviction.
During the arraignment, the charge was read to the defendant and he pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Inspector Simeon Njue, then asked the court for a date for hearing to enable the Police to provide evidence and witnesses.
The Presiding Magistrate, Miss F.R. Ogunkoyede, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1,000,000 with two sureties. Court practice in Lagos requires that sureties must be reliable and meet conditions acceptable to the court registry.
The Court subsequently adjourned the case to 19th June, 2026, for further proceedings. The defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Centre at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.
Legal analysts noted that arraignment is the first stage of criminal proceedings in Nigeria. They emphasized that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty under Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution, and the court will determine the matter based on evidence presented during trial.