Businessman Land in kirikiri Over Alleged N8.9 Million Case – See Why you need to be careful in Lagos

A 49-year-old businessman, Emmanuel Alfred, was on Thursday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding a car owner of vehicles valued at N8.9 million under false pretence.

Alfred, whose residential address was not disclosed in court, is facing two counts of stealing and obtaining by false pretence. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to the prosecutor, Superintendent Josephine Ikhayere, the alleged offence took place on August 11, 2021, at Legit Drive Hill, off Ojodu Berger, Lagos.

Ikhayere told the court that Alfred fraudulently obtained two Toyota Camry sedans, a Toyota Sienna Dove bus, and a Suzuki minibus from the complainant, Mr. Barry Sule. He reportedly took possession of the vehicles under the guise of a hire-purchase arrangement, which he allegedly had no intention of honouring.

“After taking delivery of the vehicles, the defendant failed to remit any proceeds to the owner and instead diverted a total sum of N8.9 million for personal use,” the prosecutor said.

The offences contravene Sections 287 and 314 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.

Presiding Magistrate Lateef Owolabi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like amount. The sureties must be gainfully employed and present evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The case was adjourned to July 23 for hearing.