A 42-year old man, Sulaimon Bankole, was on Monday arraigned at an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos State, for allegedly obtaining N2.5 million under false pretence.
Bankole, who resides at Ota, Ogun State, is being charged with obtaining by false pretence and stealing by conversion.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Sunday Bassey, told the court that Bankole committed the offence sometime in January 2023 at Silver Crescent, Mende, Maryland, Lagos.
Bassey said the defendant collected N2.5m from the complainant, Abu Usman, with the pretext of completing a telecom mast contract.
The prosecutor said that Usman paid the money on behalf of his company, AAY Engineering Limited through his GTBank Account.
”The defendant was initially paid part of the money to commence the job. He requested for another N2.5m to complete it.
”The defendant stopped taking the complainant’s call after receiving the last payment of N2.5m.
”He converted the money into his personal use. He also refused to complete the job,” the prosecutor said.
The prosecutor noted that the offence contravened Sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
The Magistrate, Mrs. M.O. Tanimola , admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N200,000, with two sureties in like sum.
She said the sureties must provide proof of tax payment and verification.
She adjourned the case until May 21 for trial. (NAN)
