Fake Fertilizer Supplier Arraigned for N20m Fraud

The Police on Wednesday arraigned an alleged fake fertilizer supplier, Murtala Malami, before the Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly obtaining N20.915m under false pretence.

The defendant, who was arraigned before Magistrate Lydia Balogun, is facing a two-count bordering on false representation and stealing preferred against him by the police from the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon-Ikoyi.

The prosecuting counsel, Mr Morufu Animashaun, told the court that the defendant committed the offence in March 2021, in the Apapa area of the state.

Animashaun, said the defendant approached the complainant, Alhaji Rabiu Mahuta, and claimed that he was working with an international company, Stallion Group of Companies and that the company had a large number of fertilizers to sell at the price of N20.915m.

He told the court that the defendant, after collecting the money through his bank account, flee and failed to supply the fertilizer as promised, and also failed to refund the money.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Magistrate Balogun granted the defendant bail in the sum of N3m, with two sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned till May 19 for mention.