Three businessmen, Tahiru Muktar, Rabiu Dahiru and Habibi Muhammed, were arraigned in Gwagwalada Magistrates’ Court for allegedly cheating their business partners of N17 million.

The police charged the defendants who all reside in Phase 111 Gwagwalada, FCT with criminal conspiracy, breach of trust and cheating.

The Prosecution Counsel, Dabo Yakubu, told the court that the complainants, Mubarak Dan-Alkhale of Mariga in Niger State and Salihu Abdullahi of Argungu in Kebbi State reported the matter at Area Command office Gwagwalada on October 3.

Mr Yakubu said that the defendants sometime in April conspired and deceived the complainants to introduce them to a business.

He said that the defendant promised to enter into a business deal where they could earn in US dollars.

He said that the defendants collected N17,646 million from the complainants and their relatives.

The prosecutor said that the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 312, 97 and 322 of the Penal Code.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Defence Counsel, Chigozie Eze, in his bail application prayed the court to grant his clients bail in most liberal terms.

Mr Eze cited Sections 158 and 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) to buttress his claims for bail.

Magistrate Olatunji Oladunmoye admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N5 million each with one surety each in like sum.

Mr Oladunmoye ordered that the sureties must be working in a reputable organisation within the jurisdiction of the court.

He adjourned the case until November 18 for hearing.

 (NAN)