Policemen

A 56-year-old retired civil servant, who allegedly obtained N3.4 million under false pretext, on Thursday, appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for a two-count charge of fraud and stealing.

The accused, Ayo Akanji, who resides at No. 13, Ikotun Road, Isheri-Osun in Lagos, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Police Prosecutor, Insp Peter Nwangwu, alleged that the accused fraudulently obtained the sum of N3.4m for the sale of a plot of land from the complainant, Mr Adeoye Adewole, who reported the matter.

He said that the offence was committed sometime in March 2009 at Lekki, Lagos.

“The accused sold a plot of land to the complainant covered by a titled document.

“It was later discovered that the said land belonged to the Lagos State Government,” the prosecutor said.

Nwangwu said that all efforts made by the complainant to ensure that the accused refund the money was unsuccessful, as he started to threaten his life.

The offence contravened Section 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

NAN reports that Section 285 carries a three-year imprisonment term after conviction.

Chief Magistrate Aje Afunwa, granted the accused N700,000 bail with two sureties, who must be gainfully employed with an evidence of three years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The case was adjourned to July 12 for service of proof of evidence

. (NAN)