Two mechanics, Akeem Taiwo, 44, and Saheed Shittu, 49, were on Monday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding a customer of N30,000.
The duo were said to have converted the money to personal use, rather than using for the repair of his faulty Ford car.
They were arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and obtaining money under false pretences.
Both pleaded not guilty.
offences they denied committing.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Mike Unah, said that the defendants, who reside in the Ebute metta area of Lagos State, committed the offences on March 2, at No. 11, Fagbeyi Ige Olusi St., Hopeville Estate, Ajah, Lagos State.
According to him, the mechanics allegedly collected N300,000 from the complainant, Mr. Stephen Ayeni, promising to help him to repair his Ford car.
“The defendants claimed that they specialize in repairing of Ford cars, which claim they knew wasfalse.”
Unah told the court that the defendants, rather than repairing the car, converted the money to their personal use.
“All attempts made by Ayeni to get his money back from the duo were unsuccessful,’’ Unah said.
The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 411, 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Section 287 stipulates three years imprisonment for stealing, while Section 314 provides for a 15-year jail term for obtaining under false pretence.
The Magistrate, Mr. A. A Fashola, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N100, 000 each with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until Sept. 18, for mention.
