A 35-year-old businessman, Maiga Iliyasu, on Thursday appeared before a Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged N2, 319, 500 fraud.

Mr Iliyasu, whose address was not provided, is facing a two-count charge of fraud and stealing, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The police prosecutor, ASP Clement Okuoimose, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on November 15 at 6.45.p.m at Agbalata International Market in Badagry, Lagos State.

Mr Okuoimose said that the defendant fraudulently obtained N2.3 million from the complainant, Mohammed Shamumu, on the pretext of selling a truckload of coconut to him, which he did not.

He said that Iliyasu converted the money to his own use without the consent of the complainant.

The offences, Mr Okuoimose said, contravened Sections 314 and 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Fadahunsi Adefioye, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

He said that the sureties must be responsible citizens resident in Lagos State and should be gainfully employed in a reputable company or government establishment.

Mr Adefioye adjourned the case until December 19 for mention.

(NAN)