N8.7M Fraud: Man Arraigned Over Alleged Fake ‘Tokunbo’ Machine Deal

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

A 33-year-old man, Adebowale Taiwo, was arraigned before an Ejigbo Magistrate Court in Lagos over alleged fraud involving the sum of N8.7 million.

The defendant was brought before Magistrate Miss F.R. Ogunkoyede on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and conduct likely to cause breach of the peace.

Police Prosecutor, ASP Simeon Njue, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on October 13, 2025 at No. 23, Okunobe Street, Ikotun Egbe, within the Lagos Magisterial District.

According to the charge sheet, the prosecutor alleged that Adebowale obtained the sum of Eight Million Seven Hundred Thousand Naira from one Bonaventure Chibueze under the pretence of purchasing a ‘tokunbo’ binding machine for him.

The prosecutor stated that instead of delivering the agreed machine, the defendant allegedly brought a discarded binding machine to the complainant.

The offence, according to the Police, was contrary to and punishable under Section 323 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

In Count Two, the prosecutor alleged that the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of the peace by dishonestly obtaining the same sum of N8.7 million from the complainant with a false representation.

The charge stated that the offence contravenes Section 168(1)(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The charges were read to the defendant in court and he entered a plea.

ASP Njue asked the court for a trial date and urged the court to grant bail with conditions that would ensure the defendant attends trial.

After listening to both sides, Magistrate Ogunkoyede granted the defendant bail in the sum of N3,000,000 with conditions.

However, the court ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody at the Correctional Center at Kirikiri Town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.

The matter was adjourned for mention.

The case was prosecuted by ASP Simeon Njue and was recorded at Area ‘M’ Command, Idimu, Lagos.

Legal experts say cases of fraud involving ‘tokunbo’ equipment have been on the rise in Lagos. They advised members of the public to verify sellers, inspect goods properly, and ensure proper documentation before making large payments.

The Lagos State Government has warned residents to be cautious of fraudsters who pose as dealers in used goods. Authorities said anyone found guilty of fraud will face prosecution under the state criminal law.