Adekunle Balogun, a businessman, on Tuesday appeared before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates' Court in Lagos for alleged theft of diesel worth N15.4 million.

The accused, 40, who resides at No. 42, Maria Ibironke St., Ikotun, a Lagos suburb, is facing a three-count charge bordering on stealing, conspiracy and obtaining under false pretences.

The Prosecutor, Inspector Abraham Fadipe, told the court that the accused and others presently at large, committed the offences sometimes in August 2014, at about 11.30a.m., at the Apapa Oil Depot.

Fadipe said that the accused approached one Olayinka Anifowoshe and promised to supply four trucks of diesel valued N15.4 million to her.

"Balogun approached the complainant and explained that he could supply diesel product to her which she consented to.

"After giving the accused N15.4 million for the product, the accused was alleged to have refused to deliver the products and instead threatened the life of Anifowose," he said.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 285, 312 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 prescribes seven years; Section 312 prescribes 15 years while 409 prescribes two years’ imprisonment for offenders.

NAN also reports that the accused was charged on another four-count charge on a separate charge sheet of conspiracy, fraud, stealing and being armed with dangerous weapons to cause terror.

The accused was alleged to have also defrauded one Abolaji Obasanjo of N3.6 million with the pretext that he wanted to supply him diesel.

The prosecutor said that when Obasanjo approached the accused to either supply him the diesel product or refund his money, the accused threatened him with a knife but was quickly rescued by his security guard.

Fadipe urged the court to be strict with its bail condition as more complainants, who have been allegedly defrauded, were still coming forward.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A.F.O. Botoku, granted the accused bail in the sum of N5 million with two responsible sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till Sept.16 for mention. (NAN)

Photo shows: Yaba Magistrate Court

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