A LAGOS High Court sitting, in Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), an annex of Igbosere, on Monday, reminded an estate agent, Chidi Nwaya, in prison custody, for allegedly obtaining N28m under false pretense from a businessman.
He is facing a three count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretense, stealing and forgery, preferred against him by the Lagos State Government.
Nwaya has been on the run for eight years after obtaining the money to purchase a property for the businessman.
Justice Modupe Nicol-Clay, remanded him, after the prosecutor briefed the court that the defendant has been on the run, since 2012.
She said ” Nwaya under false pretense stole the sum of N28m, from one Anthony Mbachu, with a promise to help him purchase a land at Adeniji Adele in Lagos Island.”
Daudu, also alleged that the defendant forged a letter of administration, on May 7, 2004, and presented same as genuine.
According to the prosecutor, the offences committed is punishable under Sections 312, 285 and 363, from the criminal law of Lagos stats 2015.
However the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge against him.
The defendant’s lawyer I. O. Bashua, informed the court that he needs time to study the case file as he was just briefed about the matter.
Earlier the prosecutor had urged the court to remand the defendant, pending the trial.
She said ” The defendant has been on the run until we were able to arrest him this month, we are seeking the indulgence of the court to remand the defendant, pending the commencement of trial”.
Consequently Justice Nicol-Clay, ordered the remand of the defendant in prison custody.
The judge said ” The defendant is hereby remanded in prison custody”.
The case was adjourned till July 14, for trial.
