A 32-year-old businessman, Abdullahi Umar, was on Wednesday arraigned before a Life Camp Chief Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, for allegedly swindling his business partner of N2.2 million.

Umar, of Plot 10, Victoria City, Sabon Lugbe, Abuja, is charged with criminal breach of trust and cheating.

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

The Prosecutor, Charity Nwachukwu, told the court that the complainant, Ismail Lawal, of Block A2, Shop 3, Wuse Modern Market, Abuja, reported the matter at the Gwarinpa Police Station sometime in August 2023.

Ms Nwachukwu said the complainant had given the defendant N2.2 million for a joint real estate investment.

She said that the defendant added his own money to the amount and developed a plot of land to lintel level.

The prosecutor alleged that Umar later sold the property without the consent of his partner and converted the proceeds to his personal use.

She said that during police investigation, the defendant could not give a satisfactory account of his actions.

According to her, the offences contravene Sections 312 and 322 of the Penal Code.

The Chief Magistrate, Musa Jobbo, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N500,000 with one surety in like sum.

Mr Jobbo ordered that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide a reliable means of identification.

The case was adjourned until May 22 for hearing. (NAN)