LAGOS – The police in Lagos, on Friday dragged two men before an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, over alleged N21 million fraud.
The defendants, Jara Oshinowo, 61, and Isaiah Kasimu, 50, whose addresses are unknown, are standing trial before the Magistrate, Mrs. O.A Daodu, on an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, and stealing.
They were alleged to have conspired to obtain monies from complainants, under the pretence of renting a three-bedroom apartment for them.
They each, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, Insp. Sunday Bassey, told the court that the defendants committed the offences between January and July, at No. 2, Olatunji Oladipo St, Ikosi-Ketu.
He alleged that the defendants fraudulently obtained ₦4.2 million each from Chiyem Hadome, Samuel Okoye , Oluwatosin Akanji, Adedayo Ajayi, and Urunne Emmanuel.
The prosecutor, alleged that the defendants promised the complaints that the money would be used to tidu up the construction of a building, which will be rented to them after completion.
He said that it was later discovered that the building did not belong to the defendants, and the actual owner denied knowledge of the transactions.
According to the prosecution, the defendants disappeared after collecting the money, and all efforts to reach them proved abortive.
He said that they were however, eventually arrested by the police and charged to court.
The offences contravene the provisions of sections 287, 314 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The Magistrate, Mrs. O.A Daodu, granted the defendants bail in the sim of One million naira each, with two reliable sureties in like sum
She adjourned the case untill Oct. 21, for hearing. (NAN)