By Olaitan Idris
A self-acclaimed lawyer, Akinyemi Caxton-Martins, who allegedly conspired to swindle a woman under the pretext of facilitating her bail in court, was on Thursday brought before a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
Caxton-Martins (56), is being tried on a four-count charge of conspiracy, fraudulently obtaining money under false pretences, impersonation and stealing.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Adetutu Sanusi, told the court that the defendant committed the offences with one other person sometimes in February at Surulere in the Lagos Magisterial District.
“The defendant obtained N200, 000 from the complainant, Sherifat Hamzat, on the pretext of facilitating her bail at the Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court,” Sanusi said.
The prosecutor submitted that Caxton-Martins was alleged to have assumed the role of a lawyer, who had the authority to take brief and appear in court to defend the complainant.
The offences contravene Sections 96 (b) 287, 314 (a-b) and 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs T. O Abayomi, granted the defendant bail of N50, 000 with two responsible sureties in like sum.
Abayomi said the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of tax’s payment to the Lagos State Government.
The case was adjourned until March 12 for substantive trial. (NAN)
