A couple, Raymond and Christina James, were arraigned on Wednesday before a Kaduna Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding a woman of N540,000.
The defendants, residents of Barnawa, Kaduna, face three charges: conspiracy, fraudulently obtaining money under false pretenses, and stealing.
However, both Raymond and Christina pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to the prosecutor, Inspector Chidi Leo, the incident occurred on November 12 in Narayi High Cost, Kaduna.
Leo alleged that the couple deceived Esther Francis, obtaining N540,000 from her under the guise of renting a two-bedroom apartment in the area.
The defendants, however, failed to provide the apartment as promised, leading to the fraud.
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The prosecutor stated that the couple’s actions violated the Penal Code law of Kaduna State, 2017.
Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel granted bail to the couple in the sum of N100,000 each, with one surety for each defendant, also in the amount of N100,000.
The sureties must be gainfully employed and provide proof of tax payment to the Kaduna State government.
The case has been adjourned to December 18 for further hearing.