A 45-year-old developer, Surajudeen Baruwa, who allegedly obtained N2.3 million under false
pretences, was on Thursday brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.
Baruwa of No. 8, Sanusi St., Ijeshatedo, Surulere, Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of fraud and stealing to which he pleaded
not guilty.
The accused, who claimed to be a developer, allegedly collected N2.3 million from the complainant, Mr. Titus Ekweme, on the
pretext of selling half plot of land to him at Amuwo-Odofin area of Lagos.
The prosecutor, Insp. Simeon Imhonwa, told the court that the accused, after collecting the money, disappeared and could not be reached phone as it was switched off.
“Baruwa was given the N2.3 million for half plot of land at Amuwo-Odofin but he converted the money to personal use and absconded.”
He said the accused, who committed the offences on June 10, 2014 at his residence, was recently apprehended by the police.
The offences contravened Sections 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Section 285 prescribes three years imprisonment for stealing, while Section
312 provides a 15-year jail term for obtaining credit by false pretences.
Ruling on the bail application of the accused, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs B.O. Osunsanmi, granted him bail in the sum of
N500,000 with two sureties, who must be gainfully employed.
Osunsanmi adjourned the case until Aug. 10 for mention. (NAN)