A 60-year-old trader, Christiana Oladipo, who allegedly obtained 90 bags of rice valued at N1.2 million under false pretences was on Thursday hauled up before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
The accused, who resides at Ayobo area of Lagos State, is facing a two-count charge of obtaining goods under false pretences and stealing.
According to the prosecutor, ASP. Ezekiel Ayorinde, the accused committed the offences with one other still at large on Dec.18 at Ayobo.
He said the accused obtained 90 bags of turkey brand of rice belonging to Mrs Sanmoi Saka that she would pay later; a representation she knew was false.
“The accused dishonesty obtained the goods from Mr Kehinde Olakunle, the driver of the complainant and refused to pay,” he said.
Ayorinde said the accused asked the complainant’s driver to deliver 90 bags of rice to her without formal payment and without the knowledge of the complainant.
“The driver, who is still at large, delivered 90 bags of rice to the accused without the complainant’s consent.
“The accused converted the goods to hers and refused to pay.
“After a thorough investigation, it was later discovered that the driver delivered the goods to the accused but she denied.
“A witness who sighted the driver offloading the goods at the accused’s shop confirmed it was true that he delivered the goods to her.
“The case was reported at the police station and the accused was arrested” he said.
Ayorinde said the offences contravened Sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015(Revised).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 314 stipulates a 15-year imprisonment for obtaining goods under false pretences, while Section 287 stipulates a three-year jail term for stealing.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In her ruling, the Magistrate, Mrs O.J. Awope, granted the accused bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Awope said the sureties should be gainfully employed and they should show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
She adjourned the case until Jan.29 for mention. (NAN)
