By Lukman Olabiyi
A Lagos-based businessman, Ikechukwu Odogwu, has been arraigned before the State Magistrate’s Court, Isolo, over alleged forgery and obtaining N15.170 million under false pretence.
The prosecution alleged that that Odogwu committed the offence sometime in 2009 when he approached Mr. Listus Chidozie Okafor, falsely claiming he had the irrevocable power of attorney from a company called Demco Textile International to sell 2.5 hectares of land at Lugbe 1 Extension Layout, Abuja Municipal Area Council.
The police said his offence was contrary to Section 314(1)(a) and Section 287(3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Another charge against Odogwu read: “That you, Ikechukwu Odogwu, male, and one other still at large, sometime in the year 2016, at Festac Town, within Lagos Magisterial District, did conspire among yourselves to commit a felony, to wit, obtaining money under false pretense and stealing, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.”
The defendant pleaded not guilty. He was subsequently granted bail by the court in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum.
The presiding magistrate, J. O. Adeyemi, said the sureties must show evidence of tax clearance for the last three years.
The case was adjourned till August 30, 2017, for commencement of trial.