An Estate Agent, Frederick Ikuesan, who allegedly obtained N178,000 from one Casmir Okolie, on the pretext of securing a self-contained apartment for him, on Monday appeared before an Apapa Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Ikuesan (39), a resident of the Ajegunle area of Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining money under false pretences.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Tony Etibeh, told the court that the accused committed the offences on Sept. 16, 2014 at No. 45 Kirikiri Road, Olodi-Apapa, Lagos.

Etibeh said that Ikuesan obtained the sum of N178, 000 from the complainant with a promise to secure a self-contained apartment for him.
He said that the accused, instead of securing the apartment as promised, converted the money to his own use.

“When the complainant did not get a feedback from the accused concerning the apartment, he decided to ask for his money.

“The complainant said that Ikuesan refused to refund his money when he was asked to do so,” the prosecutor stated.

Etibeh said that the offences contravened the provisions of Sections 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 312 prescribes a 15-year jail term for obtaining money under false pretences, while Section 285 stipulates three years imprisonment for stealing.

The accused, however, pleaded `not guilty’ to the two-count charge preferred against him.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Titus Abolarinwa, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till Feb. 3, for mention.