Property agent docked for alleged N11.8m fraud

A 39-year-old property agent, Ibrahim Mohammed, on Friday appeared in a Wuse Zone Six Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, for allegedly defrauding a client of N11.8 million.

The police charged Mohammed with criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust and cheating.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty.

The Prosecution Counsel, ASP Peter Ejike, told the court that a written petition was received at the office of the AIG, Zone 7 Abuja, on Nov. 9, 2020.

Ejike alleged that the defendant and others now at large, criminally conspired and  N11.8 million for a two -bedroom apartment to his client.

The counsel alleged that the defendant and others absconded with the money and converted it to their personal use.

Ejike said the offence contravened the provisions of section 96, 321 and 322 of the Penal Code Law.

The Defence Counsel, Mr U.F Ocheja, prayed the court to grant the defendant bail in the most liberal terms, citing Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 158(152) of the Criminal Justice Act.

He said the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, hence, asking the court to exercise its discretion in favor of the defendant.

Magistrate Mohammed Ibrahim admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N15 million with one surety in like sum.

Ibrahim ordered that the surety must be a responsible citizen, Senior Civil Servant at the rank of a Deputy Director who also resides within the court’s jurisdiction.

The  magistrate adjourned the case until May 4, for hearing.