By Modupe Gbadeyanka
An Access Bank Plc worker named Beatrice Nwanna, and a trader identified as Okwudili Onyetube were this week arraigned before an Igbosere Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding a man of $40,000, The Nation is reporting.
Nwanna 33, who is attached to the Ladipo branch of the bank and Onyetube, 41, were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe on a four-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and stealing.
Prosecuting counsel, Henry Obiazi, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), alleged that the defendants committed the offence sometime in February 2015, at Okota.
He said Nwanna conspired with Onyetube and one Daniel, who is at large, to defraud the complainant, Obinna Ezenwaka, under the pretence that they were going to give him the naira equivalent of his dollars.
The complainant said the first defendant approached him that she could help him get the dollar equivalent of N20.6million, which is $100,000, but she failed to do so.
“He said after the first defendant collected the N20.6million from the complainant, she stopped picking his calls and also refused to return the naira nor the dollar equivalent, after several search for her, she later came to pay $50,000.”
The offence, the prosecutor said, was punishable under Sections 411, 314 (1), (3)ý and 287 (5) (a) of the Criminal law of Lagos State 2015.
The duo pleaded not guilty.
Their counsel, Lanre Adaramimo, urged the court to grant them bail in liberal terms, but the prosecutor objected to the request.
The prosecutor warned that the defendants would jump bail, as Daniel, who was supposed to be charged with them, escaped from police custody yesterday morning before he could be brought to court.
He pleaded that the defendants be granted bail that would ensure they came to court for their trial.
Chief Magistrate Komolafe granted them N3million bail with two sureties each in the like sum.
The sureties, she said must be employed. They are also to have affidavit of means, proof of bank account, show evidence of three years tax payment and verifiable addresses.
The case continues September 19.
Adedapo Adesanya