Legal practitioner arraigned for defrauding client of N7.2 million
A 33-year-old legal practitioner, Luka Yabagi, was on Tuesday arraigned in a Life Camp Chief Magistrates’ Court in Abuja for defrauding his client of N7.2 million.
The police charged Mr Yabagi with cheating, criminal breach of trust and forgery.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The prosecution counsel, Charity Nwachukwu, told the court that one Mukhtar Isah of No. 4 Goodluck Jonathan Street, Dakwa, Abuja, reported the matter at the Gwarinpa Police Station on December 9, 2024.
Ms Nwachukwu said the defendant dishonestly and deceitfully made the complainant believe he had the connection to process land allocation for him at the Federal Capital Development Authority.
The prosecutor said the complainant paid N7.2 million to the defendant’s Access Bank account, 1466739589, bearing Linus Luka.
Ms Nwachukwu said the defendant fraudulently gave the complainant an offer of statutory right of occupancy, statutory right of occupancy bill, site plan and a certificate of occupancy No. FCT/MZTP/LA/CUS/2047.
She said all the documents bore Paiamist Nig. Ltd as the allottee with plot No: 2233 located at Guzape II.
Ms Nwachukwu told the court that the defendant deceitfully presented all the forged documents to the complainant and converted the N7.2 million meant for the land process and documentation to his personal use.
She also informed the court that the defendant had absconded and all efforts to reach him failed.
The police said the defendant was later tracked and apprehended. She said that during the investigation, the police discovered that the purported documents the defendant had issued to the complainant had been altered, forged, and did not emanate from the Department of Land Administration.
The chief magistrate, Musa Jobbo, admitted the defendant to bail of N1 million and two sureties in like sum.
Mr Jobbo ordered that the sureties must produce a reliable means of identification before the court registry. He said one of the sureties must be a property owner and reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
Mr Jobbo ordered the defendant to deposit N2 million to the FCT High Court registry and adjourned until June 19 for a hearing.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Agriculture
China upgrades green channel to accelerate African agricultural exports
China has upgraded its ‘Green Channel’ policy to fast-track the clearance of African agricultural products, particularly fresh produce.
Anti-Corruption
EXCLUSIVE: Aso Rock memo shows how Gbajabiamila used fake law to corner N54 billion oil revenue from NUPRC
Mr Gbajabiamila has been implicated in corruption scandals across borders, including in the U.S., where he was disbarred by the State Bar of Georgia.
Anti-Corruption
Ex-minister Nnaji pleads not guilty to forgery, fraud charges
Mr Nnaji pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering, corruption, forgery and the use of false documents.
Lagos
Lagos govt continues crackdown on illegal structures along Badagry expressway
The Lagos government has stepped up efforts to clear illegal structures and other environmental nuisances along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
Education
NHRC hails security agencies for rescue of Oriire schoolchildren, teachers
The National Human Rights Commission has commended security agencies for the successful rescue of the abducted Oriire pupils and teachers.
Education
Ibadan: NUT appeals for rescue of Oyo headmaster kidnapped on Saturday
The Nigeria Union of Teachers has expressed concern over the abduction of a primary school headmaster in Itesiwaju council area, calling for his immediate rescue.
