A 30-year-old businessman, who allegedly defrauded two men in the guise of buying vehicles for them, on Thursday appeared before an Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over an alleged N320,000 fraud.
Gbolahan Peters, who resides at No. 7, Obesere St., Shibiri, Lagos, was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on fraud and theft.
The Prosecutor, ASP Godwin Eze, told the court that the accused committed the offences on November 30, 2012, at the Dreamland Dynamic Christian Centre, Ilemba, Awori, Lagos.
“The accused, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N150, 000 from one Mr Chapman Ikuviere under the pretext that he would deposit the money for the purchase a Toyota Hiace bus for him.
“The accused also defrauded one Mr Gabriel Iruo of N170,000 under the pretext of assisting him to buy a Volkswagen Golf car.
“He was, however, arrested by the police when he could not produce the vehicles to the complainants and could not get their money for them,” Eze said.
According to the prosecutor, the offences contravene Sections 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.
The Magistrate, Mr Taslimi Shomade, granted him bail in the sum of N170, 000 with two sureties.
He adjourned the case to June 26 for mention.
Anyone found guilty of fraud is liable to imprisonment for 15 years.
Stealing is punishable with three years.
