Businesswoman charged to court over alleged N1.3m fraud

A 26-year-old businesswoman, Titilayo Ogunnaya, who allegedly obtained the sum of N1.3 million from her partner under false pretences on Wednesday appeared before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Ogunnaya, whose residential address was not given, is standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and stealing.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Ingobo Emby told the court that the defendant and others still at large committed the alleged offences on Sept. 5, 2018, at No. 5, Oke Close, Oregun Ikeja, Lagos.

Emby alleged that the defendant fraudulently obtained the sum of N1.3 million from the complainant, Mrs Esther Oluremi, on the pretext of investing the money in her company.

According to the prosecutor, the defendant promised to share the profits accruing from the money with the complainant.

He alleged that the defendant rather converted the money to her own use without giving any to the complainant.

Emby said the offences contravened Sections 287, 314 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 provides three years imprisonment for stealing while Section 314 provides 15 years for obtaining under false pretences.

Also, Section 411 provides two years of imprisonment for conspiracy.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The Magistrate, Mrs C. J. Momodu, granted her bail in the sum of N200, 000 with one surety in like sum and ordered that the surety must show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

She adjourned the case until Feb. 19 for mention.

NAN