Man, 37, Faces N18m Fraud Charge

A 37-year-old man, Usman Balumi, who allegedly obtained N18 million on the pretext of supplying petroleum products to a company, on Tuesday appeared before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.


Balumi, who resides at No. 21, Ilasan New Road, Ilasan in Lagos State, is standing trial on a two-count charge of fraud and stealing.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Innocent Odugbu, told the court that the accused committed the offences on May 19 at 10.00 a.m. at No. 7b, Gaboro Close, off Amodu Ojikutu St., Victoria Island, Lagos.

Odugbo said the accused obtained N18 million from one Emeka Okoli, on the pretext of supplying him petroleum products.

According to him, the product was deemed to have been sold to the Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc.

The offences, he said, contravened Sections 285 (5) and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

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

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 312 provides 15 years’ imprisonment for false pretences.

The Magistrate, Mrs F. M. Dalley, admitted the accused to a bail of N200, 000 in addition to two sureties in like sum.

She said the sureties, who should be gainfully employed, must show evidence of tax payment to the state government as part of the bail conditions.

The case was adjourned to Feb. 3, 2015 for mention. (NAN)

Source: Leadership.ng