A 40-year-old mechanic, Adedeji Gbenga, was arraigned before the Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Wednesday, facing serious charges including fraud, stealing, breach of peace, and threats to kill.
Gbenga, who has no fixed residential address, pleaded not guilty to all four counts.
Police Prosecutor ASP Clement Okuoimose presented the case, stating that the alleged offenses occurred on May 23 at approximately 11:00 a.m. in Badagry Town.
According to the prosecutor, Gbenga is accused of fraudulently obtaining N150,000 from complainant Dare Sholuade, promising to purchase an air conditioning cylinder for Sholuade’s Toyota Camry but failing to do so.
Instead, it is alleged that Gbenga misappropriated the funds for personal use.
Further complicating the matter, Okuoimose claimed that the defendant behaved in a manner likely to incite a breach of peace by refusing to return the money and allegedly threatened to kill both Sholuade and his family.
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The charges against Gbenga contravene several sections of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.
Chief Magistrate A. J. Aina granted bail in the amount of N100,000, requiring two sureties of the same sum who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide proof of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
The case has been adjourned until October 28 for further mention.