Lagos Housewife Accuses Husband of N71m Fraud, Assault

A 47-year-old man, Lucky James, has been arraigned before Chief Magistrate L.A. Owolabi of the Samuel Ilori Court, Ogbà, Lagos State, on charges of defrauding his wife, Mrs Tega James.

Lucky and Tega had been married for a while, though the union had yet to produce any fruit.

Tega, who said she was the fourth wife of the defendant, noted that her husband brought an investment deal in which she would be entitled to 50 per cent monthly interest.

She, however, accused her husband of lying and fraudulently obtaining N1.6m from her without fulfilling the 50 per cent interest rate agreement.

Tega alleged that her husband also stole the sum of N70m from two bank accounts belonging to her.

The woman said she continuously asked for repayment until Lucky pounced on her and beat her up.

She then reported the matter to the police and James was arrested.

The defendant is facing three counts bordering on stealing, obtaining by fraud, and assault, offences punishable under sections 287(5)(6), 314(3), and 172 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.

The prosecutor, Josephine Ikhayere, said the defendant committed the offences at Ruby Close, Diamond Estate, Sangotedo, in the Ajah area of the state.

The charges read in part, “That you, Lucky James, between January 1, 2019, and September 6, 2022, did dishonestly withdraw and steal a total sum of N70m only from account number 1023143619 Mercury Investment domiciled at UBA and account number 0083657628 Mercury domiciled at Sterling Bank, respectively, property of Mrs James Amanda Tega.

“That you, Lucky James, did fraudulently obtain the sum of N1,600,000 from one Mrs James Amanda Tega with a promise to invest in a business, which you will be giving her 50 per cent interest monthly, a representation you knew to be false.

“That you, Lucky James, on September 6, 2022, did unlawfully assault one Mrs. James Amanda Tega, by hitting her with fist blows all over her body, which caused her bodily harm.”

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Magistrate Owolabi admitted him to bail in the sum of N3m with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case till November 3 for mention.