A vehicle importer, Busayo Afolami, was on Monday arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for allegedly obtaining $67,200 (N24,158,400) from two businessmen under the pretext of importing vehicles from the US.
The 39-year-old vehicle importer, whose residential address was not given, pleaded not guilty to six counts bordering on conspiracy, threat to life and fraud.
Police prosecutor, Chinedu Njoku, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offence in June 2013, at No. 1, Oba Aladejobi Ikeja GRA, Lagos, and in October 2013, at No.53, Olugbede St., Akowonjo, Lagos.
Mr Njoku said that the importer fraudulently obtained $35,300 (N12, 690, 350) from one Onipede Olatunbosun in June 2013, promising to import a Lexus 350, Honda 2010 model and Corolla 2005 from the US.
He said the defendant converted the money to his personal use and also threatened Mr Olatunbosun.
The prosecutor also said that in October 2013, the defendant fraudulently obtained the sum of $31,900 (N11, 468, 050) from another complainant, one Joel Fagoriola, with a promise to import Mack and Man diesel trucks.
He said that the defendant did not purchase the trucks but converted the money to his own use.
The offence, according to Njoku, contravened the provisions of sections 232, 287, 314 (1) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Magistrate Folashade Botoku granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum.
She ordered that one of the sureties must be a company director and must show evidence of tax payments to the Lagos State Government and have their addresses verified.
She then adjourned the case until April 2 for mention.
