Man In Court Over Foodstuff Fraud

A 32-year-old unem
ployed man, Chibuike Ekpendu, who allegedly obtained foodstuff from a salesgirl by deceit, last Thursday, appeared before an Abule Egba Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
Ekpendu, who lives at No. 5, Fatade St., Baruwa, Ipaja, Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of obtaining by false pretence and attempt to escape from custody.
The prosecutor, Insp. Racheal Williams, told the court that the offences were committed sometime in 2013 at Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos.
According to the prosecutor, the accused collected some foodstuff and money from a salesgirl, Joy Imoke, who is also his lover, with the promise to pay later.
“The accused obtained a bag of rice, two cartons of malt and a sum of N2,600 from his lover, who is a salesgirl.
“He promised to pay in a week but when the girl went to his house, she discovered that he had vacated the place and all efforts to locate him proved abortive,’’ William said.
The prosecutor put the total value of the goods and money at N16,300.
She said that Imoke, however, sighted Ekpendu at Ipaja some days ago and alerted the police, who arrested him.
Williams said that after the accused was arrested and taken to the police station, he attempted to escape from custody.
According to her, the offences contravene Sections 106(b) and 312(a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Tide reports that Section 312 (a) prescribes 15 years jail term for fraud.
Mr Tajudeen Elias, the Magistrate, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case to June 2 for mention.