Suspect Faces Court For N18.7m Fraud Scheme

Suspect Faces Court For N18.7m Fraud Scheme....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Lagos State Police Command brought 29-year-old Onwe Israel before the Chief Magistrate Court in Yaba on Friday, accusing him of fraudulent activities involving provision items valued at N18,659,100. Magistrate O.Y. Adefope presided over the arraignment, where Onwe faced three charges related to fraud and theft.

According to the charges, Onwe allegedly deceived Alhaja Monsurat Lamidi and other wholesale suppliers into delivering provision items worth N18,659,100 in larger quantities than he paid for. Specifically, he purportedly purchased provisions exceeding N9 million on multiple occasions, using stolen receipt booklets to pay only N924,000.

Investigations revealed Onwe’s alleged involvement in defrauding five other wholesalers, leading to his arrest and the recovery of some of the products from his shop. Prosecutor Haruna Magaji informed the court that the offences occurred between May 13 and May 29, 2024, at Ereko Market, Lagos. The charges against Onwe fall under Sections 314 (1a), 314 (1b), 323 (1), and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Despite the allegations, Onwe pleaded not guilty. Magistrate Adefope granted him bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties and adjourned the case until July 25, 2024, for further proceedings.