Man Dupes Jobseekers of N1.2m

A 28-year-old man, Ekene Itodo, who allegedly obtained N1.2m from three people under false pretences of securing jobs for them, on Thursday appeared at an Ejigbo Magistrate’s Court, Lagos State.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Itodo is standing trial on five counts bordering on conspiracy, fraud and breach of peace.

He, however, pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, ASP Benedict Aigbokhan, told the court that the defendant and one person currently at large committed the offences on January 30 and February 6, 2023, on Ayerowi Street, Igando, Lagos.

According to him, the defendant fraudulently obtained N550,000 from one Mr Benedict Okon; N500, 000 from one Mr Sampon Sunday and N170,000 from one Felix Musa.

He said the defendant obtained a total of N1.2m from the complainants in the guise of getting jobs for them.

The prosecutor said the defendant did not get the jobs but converted the money to personal use.

He said the offences contravened Sections 168, 172, 272, 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The Magistrate, Miss K. A. Ariyo, granted him bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

She ordered that the sureties must be gainfully employed and show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

She adjourned the case until March 10 for mention.