Driver, 42, docked for allegedly defrauding colleague of N500,000

A 42-year-old driver, Joel Olumakinwa, was on Friday, arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding his workmate of N500,000.

Olumakinwa, who resides in Ogba, Lagos, is charged with obtaining by false pretences and stealing.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him.

The Prosecutor, DSP Victor Eruada, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on Aug. 9, 2023, at Aguda, Ogba, Lagos.

Eruada said the defendant obtained the money on the pretext of selling his Toyota Sienna vehicle, with registration number; AGL 626 FB to his workmate, Mr Oluwafemi Adedeji, who is the complainant.

He added that the defendant agreed to sell the vehicle for N1.2 million, adding that after Adedeji had deposited N500,000 out of the money, the defendant failed to give the vehicle to him but instead, sold it to someone else.

The prosecutor further stated that even after the defendant had sold the vehicle, he refused to refund the complainant’s money but converted it to his own use.

According to him, the offences contravene Sections 314 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The Magistrate, Mrs T.A. Oladele, admitted Olumakinwa to bail in the sum of N450,000, with two sureties in like sum.

Oladele adjourned the case till Jan. 31 for mention.