Two arraigned for allegedly defrauding businessman of N1.4m

Two men on Wednesday appeared in a Grade I Area Court for allegedly defrauding a businessman of N1.4 million.

The police charged Elum Chibueze and Ogundele Micheal with joint act, criminal breach of trust and cheating.

The Prosecution Counsel, John Okpa, told the court that police investigations into a direct criminal complaint revealed that the defendants fraudulently obtained the N1.4 million from the complainant, Arise Okoronkwo.

Okpa said the defendants collected the money for a non-existent piece of land in Bwari Area Council, FCT, adding that offense contravened the provisions of sections 97, 312 and 322 of the Penal Code.

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

The defense counsel, Moses Ugwummadu, urged the court to grant bail to his clients in the most liberal terms, adding that a reliable surety would be provided if granted.

The Judge, Muhammad Adamu, admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N500, 000 each with one reasonable surety each in like sum.

Adamu ordered that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and present means of identification.

He added that the addresses of the sureties must be verified by the prosecution counsel and adjourned the case until Oct.14 for hearing.