A 44-year-old man, Benjamin Bright, was on Wednesday docked in an Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for obtaining N1.7 million from two traders under false pretences.

Mr Bright was charged with four counts of fraud, obtaining under false pretence and stealing.

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

The prosecutor, Christian Okonofua, told the court that the defendant committed the offence sometime around March to June 2021 in Ogolonto and Aga in Ikorodu, Lagos.

Mr Okonofua said the defendant fraudulently obtained N1,169,700 from Osashushua Abiola and N561,100 from Samson Olumide.

The prosecutor explained that the defendant also fraudulently obtained money from not less than 215 traders on the pretence that he would use the money for investment to grant them a loan knowing that was false.

He said the complainant reported the matter to the police, and the defendant was arrested.

The prosecutor added that the accused was arraigned on July 10, 2012, by the EFCC for obtaining money from various investors whom he deceived by making them believe that the money would be invested in his purported companies.

He also revealed that Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye of the Ikeja Division of the Lagos High Court had convicted and sentenced the defendant to 63 years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine.

According to the prosecutor, the offence contravened sections 314(3), 287(1), 314(1)(2) and 287(1) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The magistrate, T.A. Shotobi, granted the defendant bail of N1 million with two sureties in like sum.

Ms Shotobi said the sureties must have three years’ evidence of tax payment. One of the sureties must be a clergy, community development chairman, head of his family or notable politician with a verifiable address.

The magistrate adjourned the case until September 29 for mention. 

(NAN)