Fertilizer Scam: Man Arraigned Over Alleged N20.9m Fraud
An alleged fake supplier of Fertilizer, Murtala Malami Gombe, has been arraigned before Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court, on charges bordering false representation and stealing of N20, 915 million worth of fertiliser.
The defendant was arraigned before the court presided over by Magistrate Lydia Y. Balogun, by Policemen from Criminal Investigation Department (ForceCID) Annex, Alagbon-Ikoyi, Lagos, on the alleged offences.
The defendant, according to the prosecutor, Barrister Morufu Animashaun, committed the offences sometimes in March 2021, at Apapa, Lagos.
Animashaun told the court that the defendant had approached the fraud victim, Alhaji Rabiu Mahuta, claiming to be working with an international company, Stallion Group of Companies, and that the company had large quantity of fertilizers sell at the price of the price of N20, 915 million.
Animashaun told the court that the defendant after collecting the money through his bank account, disappeared into tiny air and failed to supply the fertilizer as promised, while also failed to refund the money.
The prosecutor told the court that it took the police extra strength, before he was arrested, as he was tracked down at his hideout in Gombe State.
He told the court that the offences committed by the defendant contravened sections 312 and 285(5) of the Criminal Law. Ch.C17, Vol .3, Laws of Lagos State 2015.
The defendant, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Upon his plea, the prosecutor asked the court for trial date, and urged the court to remand the defendant till the determination of the offences against him.
But lawyer to the defendant, pleaded with the court to grant him bail in the most liberal terms, saying that his client is a first time offender and that the offences against him are bailable ones.
Ruling on the bail application, Magistrate Balogun, admitted bail to the defendant in the sum of N3 million with two sureties in like sum.
Magistrate Balogun ordered that the sureties must not be civil servants, and that they must have evidence of tax payment to Lagos State for three years. Adding that the verification of the bail terms must be done by the prosecution.
The Magistrate ordered that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services NCoS till the perfection of the bail terms, while adjourned the matter till May 19, for mention.
