A 49-year-old businessman, Emmanuel Alfred, was on Thursday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court over an alleged N8.9 million car fraud.
Alfred, whose address was not disclosed, faces charges of stealing and obtaining by false pretence. He pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutor, SP Josephine Ikhayere, told the court the offence occurred on Aug. 11, 2021 at Legit Drive Hill, off Ojodu Berger, Lagos.
Ikhayere said Alfred fraudulently obtained two Toyota Camry cars, a Sienna Dove bus and a Suzuki minibus from the complainant, Mr Barry Sule.
She alleged the defendant took the vehicles under the pretence of managing them on hire purchase, which he knew to be false.
“After receiving the vehicles, the defendant converted proceeds totalling N8.9 million to personal use and has remitted nothing to the complainant,” she said.
The offences, according to the prosecutor, contravened Sections 287 and 314 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.
The Magistrate, Mr Lateef Owolabi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000, with two reliable sureties in like sum.
Owolabi stated that the sureties must be gainfully employed and present evidence of tax payment to the state.
The case was adjourned till July 23 for hearing.
