A United Kingdom-based businessman, Ifeanyi Nweguwa, has been arraigned before an Igbosere, Lagos Magistrate’s Court for allegedly obtaining N5 million from an associate under false pretence.
The businessman was accused of obtaining the N5million from his business partner, Mr. Joseph Uzodinma, under the pretence of forming a joint venture business with him.
The prosecutor, Abass Abayomi, alleged that Nweguwa from Abia State, who resides at 37, Sikiru Street, Alakija, Mile 2 area of Lagos, was arrested while he was attempting to flee to London.
Abayomi said after collecting the sum, Nweguwa left for the United Kingdom, and remained there for some time while Uzodinma was searching for him in Nigeria.
“The suspect sneaked into Nigeria, sold all his property and was about to leave the country with his family when he was arrested by detectives of the Area ‘A’ Command Lion Building, Lagos,” the prosecutor said.
Nweguwa was arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, conversion and issuance of dud cheques.
Abayomi told the court that Nweguwa and others at large conspired to commit the alleged offences sometime between 2014 and 2016 at 6, Bamgbose Street, Lagos Island.
He said the defendant “obtained the sum of N5million from Uzodinma under the pretence of forming a joint venture business with him, but converted same to his personal use.
“Nweguwa issued post-dated FCMB cheques No. 03002064 and 03002066 in the sum of N1 million and N2.5 million to Mr. Joseph Uzodinma for the refund of the money invested in the business, knowing full well that there was no money in the account and the cheques were rejected on presentation.”
The offence, he added, were punishable under Sections 409, 312 and 319 (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The defendant denied the charge and his lawyer, Chief M. C. Ikwunoh, urged the court to grant him bail in liberal terms.
“The defendant was granted administrative bail by the police and he did not jump or abscond. He came to court voluntarily,” Ikwunoh said.
But this was opposed by the prosecutor on the grounds that the defendant had already concluded plans to leave Nigeria.
“He is currently based in in London and it was very difficult for the police to get him arrested,” Abayomi said.
In a bench ruling, Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe granted the defendant N3 million bail with two sureties in like sum. One must be gainfully employed while one must be his blood
relation.
They were also ordered to make a deposit of N250,000 to the court registrar’s account while the defendant must deposit his international passport in the court’s custody.
The case was adjourned till May 27 for mention.