On Wednesday, the Nigeria Police arraigned a 64-year-old estate agent, Sunday Asibe, also known as John Asibe, before the Ebute-Metta Chief Magistrate Court in Lagos State on charges of allegedly defrauding a man of N13 million under false pretenses.
Asibe is facing three charges: fraud, obtaining money under false pretenses, and stealing, as brought forward by the police.
According to the police prosecutor, Inspector Cyriacus Osuji, the defendant committed the offenses between February and May 2024 in the Igando area of Lagos State.
Osuji alleged that Asibe fraudulently collected N13 million from Alhaji Suleiman Bawale, pretending it was payment for a plot of land.
The prosecutor further explained that the money was collected in two installments: N8 million and N5 million.
He added that in February, Asibe allegedly stole N8 million from the complainant, promising to sell him land but failing to do so.
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“In February, Asibe stole N8m, from the complainant with a promise to sell him a plot of land, which he failed to deliver.
“Then, in May, he obtained an additional N5m, from Bawale, again, promising land that he did not provide,” said Osuji.
The prosecutor stated that the offenses committed violated Sections 313 and 280(1)(a)(b) and are punishable under Sections 314(1)(a)(b)(3) and 287 of the Lagos State Criminal Law of 2015.
The defendant, who appeared before Magistrate Feyikemi George, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
As a result, Magistrate George granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N1 million, with two sureties in the same amount. She stipulated that the sureties must provide three months’ bank statements showing a balance of N1 million and have their addresses verified.
The case was adjourned until October 30, 2024, for mention.
(Punch Newspaper)
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