Clearing Agent Docked Over N.7m Fraud

A clearing agent was recently in Lagos charged with obtaining N700,000 under false pretences at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

The defendant, Vitalis Adiele, 41, is facing a five-count charge of fraud, stealing, forgery and obtaining money under false pretext.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, ASP M. Olaide, alleged that Adiele fraudulently obtained the money from VIC Motors Association under the pretext of helping them to buy a Volkswagen Jetta car.

He said the defendants committed the offence on March 3 at the company’s office on Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.

Olaide said the defendant also on July 16, 2005 at Tin-Can Port, Apapa, forged the Nigeria Customs motor vehicle duty certificate no. A00320270, dated July 15, 2005.

According to him, the offences contravene Sections 285, 312 and 363 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

Magistrate O. I. Oguntade granted the defendant bail in the sum of N250, 000 with a surety in like sum.

She adjourned the case to June 20 for further hearing.