The police on Tuesday arraigned a 26-year-old man, Chidera Okonkwo, before an Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over an alleged N23.2 million fraud.

The defendant is standing trial before the magistrate, O.M. Ogun, on a three-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence and stealing.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Esther Adesulu, told the court that the defendant committed the offence in 2025 at Ojo.

She alleged that the defendant conspired with others to obtain the sum of N23.2 million from Francis Obiora under the pretence of transferring to him the equivalent of 100 RMB Chinese currency.

The representation was said to be false, as the defendant never transferred the money but allegedly stole it.

The prosecutor said he was eventually arrested, following police investigations.

The offences, according to the prosecutor, contravene the provisions of sections 287, 314 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

The court granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5 million, with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case until July 16, for mention. 

(NAN)