The police in Lagos State on Thursday arraigned a 32-year-old clearing agent, Chidiebere Igwe, before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding a client N10.2 million in a goods-clearing scam.

The defendant, whose address was not provided, pleaded not guilty to charges of fraud, breach of peace and stealing.

The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ikhayere, told the court that the defendant committed the offences sometime in Nov. 2024 at Lopan Company, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

Ms Ikhayere alleged that the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace by causing confusion.

Ms Ikhayere told the court that the defendant fraudulently obtained the sum of N10,046,000 from the complainant, Michael Friday, under the pretence of clearing goods from Tincan Island Port, Apapa, for him but failed to do so.

She added that the defendant also collected N250,000 from the complainant under the pretence of purchasing a generator for him but converted the money to his personal use.

“The defendant obtained the money knowing that he would not fulfill the agreement. He was arrested and handed over to the police for prosecution. The offences contravene Sections 168, 283, and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015,” she said.

The Magistrate, Lateef Owolabi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

He ordered that one of the sureties must be gainfully employed and adjourned the case until September 11 for mention.

(NAN)