13th February, 2016
Cyriacus Izuekwe
A 54-year old man has been arrested and charged before a Magistrates’ court sitting in Ejigbo, Lagos State, western Nigeria, for allegedly defrauding a businessman to the tune of N5 million.
The suspect, Ngoh Okoh, allegedly collected the money from Emmanuel Omodon under the false pretence of assisting him to facilitate his company’s tax payment which turned out to be scam.
The incident happened at Ikotun Idimu road in Ikotun where Omodon’s company is located and where he gave him the money.
P.M.NEWS gathered that Okoh told Omodon that he had connection at both Lagos State and Fedreal Government Inland revenue office that would assist him pay the tax at a reduced rate.
P.M.NEWS gathered that after Okoh collected the money, he bolted away and failed to return Omodon’s money.
When Omodon waited for him in vain, he went to Idimu area ‘M’ Police Command and reported the scam.
The police trailed Okoh and later arrested him and took him to the station.
P.M.NEWS gathered that Okoh confessed that he did not pay for the tax.
Okoh was taken to the court where he was charged with fraud and stealing under the Criminal Code.
He pleaded not guilty.
The presiding Magistrate, Mrs J. O. E. granted Okoh bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum who must show evidence of tax payment for three years.
Okoh was remanded in prison custody at Kirikiri pending when he will perfect his bail condition.
The matter was adjourned till 26 February.