Clearing agent in court for alleged N3.5m fraud

A 31-year-old clearing agent, Ayodele Adebayonle, on Tuesday appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding his customer of  N3.5 million.

Adebayonle, who resides at 25, Otun Araromi St., Magodo area of Lagos, is facing a three-count charge of stealing, forgery and fraud.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, ASP. Raji Akeem, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on March 16, 2020 at Apapa Wharf, Lagos.

Akeem said that the defendant collected the money from the complainant, Mr Bukola Adeniyi, on the pretext that he would clear his container, which he failed to do.

He said the defendant was later traced and arrested.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 287, 314, 365 and 370 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 stipulates three years jail term for stealing.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs O. A Layinka, granted the defendant bail of N2 million with two sureties in like sum.

Layinka adjourned the case until May 13 for mention.