A 36-year-old transporter, Raphael Umezuruike, was arraigned on Wednesday before a Sabo, Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State, for the alleged diversion of property worth N12 million.
Umezuruike, whose address was not given, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining money by pretences, and stealing.
He, however, pleaded not guilty.
Earlier, the prosecutor, DSP Thomas Nurudeen, informed the court that Umezuruike committed the offences from May 19 to 24, 2022, at Apapa Wharf.
He alleged that Umezuruike obtained N1.4 million from the complainant, Tadese Mojeed, on the pretext of transporting for him a 20-foot container of Mica products valued at N12 million.
He submitted that Umezuruike and his accomplices diverted the container to another location to sell the products and share the proceeds.
Nurudeen said that the actions contravened sections 287 (5) (a), 314 (1) (a) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Section 287 prescribes three years’ imprisonment for stealing.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Peter Nwaka, granted Umezuruike bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum.
He adjourned the case until March 20 for a substantive trial.
