A 47-year-old contractor, Omotayo Bamidele, on Friday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly obtaining N2.9 million on the pretext of supplying construction materials.
Bamidele, a resident of Ikorodu, Lagos, was charged with obtaining money under false pretences and stealing.
ASP Clifford Ogu prosecuting the case said that the contractor committed the offences in September 2018 at Ikorodu, Lagos.
He said that the defendant duped one Mr Akeem Salau on the pretext of supplying him asphalt and grading equipment for road construction.
Ogu said that the defendant absconded after collecting the money.
“When the defendant’s house was visited, the complainant discovered that he had relocated.
“Efforts made by the complainant to get the materials or retrieve his money proved unsuccessful as the defendant refused to pick his calls.
“The defendant was later arrested and handed over to the police,” the prosecutor said .
The alleged offences contravene Sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 prescribes three years’ jail term for stealing while section 314 attracts 14 years’ imprisonment for obtaining money under false pretences.
Following his not guilty plea, the Magistrate, Mr J.A. Adegun, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N250, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
Adegun directed that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
He adjourned the case until May 13 for mention.
