A 42-year-old trader, Ifeanyi Ukwuoji, was on Thursday brought before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court for allegedly obtaining N1.15 million under false pretences and escaping from police custody.
The accused, whose address is unknown, is facing a five-count charge bordering on obtaining money on false pretext, stealing and escape from custody.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
But the prosecutor, Inspector Nurudeen Thomas, told the court that the accused committed the offences on September 24, 2014 at Alaba International Market on Lagos-Badagry Expressway and on July 23 at Gbagada, Lagos.
Thomas said the accused was given an order by the complainant, Mr Okechukwu Chukwudi, to supply 10 air conditioner split units and two units of Window air conditioners on September 10, 2014.
“Ukwuoji received payment for the order on September 12, 2014 at 3 p.m. but failed to deliver the items to Chukwudi.
“The accused absconded with the money but was later apprehended following a tip-off.’’
The prosecutor added that Ukwuoji escaped from police patrol van at F.O. Filling Station, Gbagada, where it refueled.
The offences contravened Sections 106, 279, 312 and 323 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
In her ruling, the Magistrate, Mrs Bola Osunsanmi, granted Ukwuoji bail in the sum of 250,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case to August 3 for trial.
