Clearing Agent Docked Over Alleged Fraud

A man, Manko Chucks, who claimed to be a clearing agent, was last Wednesday docked before an Apapa Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, charged with obtaining N200,000 from a client under pretences.

Chucks, 30, who resides at Maza Maza area of Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining money under false pretences.

The prosecutor, Insp. Clara Olagbayi, told the court that the accused collected the money from Mr Nosa Okungbowa on Nov. 16, 2011 under the pretext of helping him to clear one Mazda Xedos car from the Tin Can Island Port, Apapa.

She said that the accused failed to clear the car as agreed and also refused to return the money to the complainant.

Olagbayi said that the alleged offences contravened Sections 278 (1) (A) and 312 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

Chief Magistrate Oluyemisi Adelaja granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000, with one surety in like sum.

She said that the surety should show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The case was adjourned till June 18 for further hearing.