A 27-year-old man, Abana Ibrahim, on Monday, appeared before the Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun for allegedly obtaining N570,000 by false pretence.

Mr Ibrahim, who is of no fixed address, was arraigned on a three-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence, stealing and conspiracy.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge.

The prosecutor, Insp E.O. Adaraloye, told the court that the defendant, and others still at large, committed the offences on October 11 at 11:38 a.m., at Oloko Powerline, Obasanjo Bus-Stop, Ota.

Mr Adaraloye alleged that the defendant and his accomplices conspired to collect N570,000 on the pretext of assisting the complainant, Wasiu Akintunde, 58, to get pieces of scrap solar batteries.

“The defendant converted the money to personal use instead of fulfilling the agreement made to the complainant,” the prosecutor said.

He said the offences contravened sections 419, 390(9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun, 2006.

The magistrate, O.O. Fadairo, granted the defendant N50,000 bail and one surety in like sum.

Mr Fadairo ordered that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and be gainfully employed with evidence of tax payment to the Ogun government.

The case was adjourned until December 4 for a hearing.

(NAN)