A fashion designer, Nicholas Idoko, was arraigned in a Dutse Senior Magistrates’ Court for allegedly cheating his client of N4.5 million.

‎The police charged Mr Idoko, 42, who lives in Kubwa, Abuja, with criminal breach of trust, cheating and misappropriation.

‎The Prosecution Counsel, John Okpa, told the court that the complainant, Gabriel Oloja, reported the matter at the Kubwa Police Station on May 2.

‎Mr Okpa said in October 2025, within the jurisdiction of the court, Mr Idoko placed an advertisement for a shop for sale in Kubwa.

‎The police said the defendant offered the shop for N5 million and upon agreement, the complainant made a deposit of N4.5 million into Mr Idoko’s Fidelity Bank account.

‎The police alleged that the defendant failed to deliver the property as agreed and misappropriated the money.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

‎The Defence Counsel, Titilayo Awojoba, prayed the court to admit her client to bail in the most liberal terms, citing the provisions of Sections 158 and 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

‎She said the defendant has reliable sureties and would always be available during his trail.

‎Mr Okpa, however, opposed the bail application, arguing that the sureties must deposit a reasonable amount of money for security.

‎He said the offence contravened the provisions of sections 312, 322 and 309 of the Penal Code Law.

‎The Senior Magistrate, Ibrahim Yusuf, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N2 million with two reliable sureties in like sum.

‎The senior magistrate ordered that the sureties must live within the jurisdiction of the court and provide valid means of identification.

‎He then adjourned the matter until October 19 for hearing. 

(NAN)