By Chinyere Omeire

A 28-year-old man, Ekene Itodo, who allegedly obtained  N1.2 million from three people under false pretences of securing jobs for them, on Thursday appeared at an Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court, Lagos State.

Itodo is standing trial on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraud and breach of peace.

He, however, pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, ASP Benedict Aigbokhan, told the court that the defendant and one  person  at large committed the offences on Jan. 30 and Feb. 6, on Ayerowi Street, Igando, Lagos.

According to him, the defendant fraudulently obtained N550,000 from one Mr Benedict Okon, N500,000 from one Mr Sampon Sunday and N170, 000 from one Mr Felix Musa.

He said that the defendant obtained a total of N1.2 million from the complaints in the guise of getting  jobs for them.

The prosecutor said that the defendant did not get the jobs but converted the money to his own use.

“When the complainants asked for refund, the defendant assaulted them and locked them up in his house.

“The defendant also seized one of the complaints’ Itel phone with an MTN SIM card inside,” the prosecutor said.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 168, 172, 272, 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The Magistrate, Miss K. A. Ariyo, granted him bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

She ordered that the sureties must be gainfully employed and show evidence of tax payment to Lagos State Government.

She adjourned the case until March 10 for mention. (NAN)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola