Three men, who allegedly defrauded a woman of N5 million on the pretext of using a charm to make her wealthy and famous, have been arraigned at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
The accused, Tony Eze, 59, Orji Ejike, 54 and Udukwe Eze, 37, residents of Festac Town, Lagos, are standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and obtaining money under false pretence.
The prosecutor, Peter Nwangwu, alleged that the accused committed the offences in February last year.
He alleged that the trio obtained N5million from the complainant, Nneka Asuzu, on the pretext of giving her a charm that would make her rich; a representation they knew was false.
Nwangwu said the accused, who had no intention of giving Asuzu any charm, converted the money to their personal use.
He said the complainant became worried when she did not get any feedback from the accused, so she called.
The prosecutor said the accused told her to bring more money so that she would get the charm in time.
He said when the complainant discovered she had been duped, she reported the case to the police and the accused were traced to their apartment.
Nwangwu said the accused were arrested and taken to police station for questioning.
The offences contravene sections 287, 314 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Section 314 prescribes a 15-year jail term for obtaining money under false pretences.
The accused pleaded not guilty.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Y.O Aje-Afunwa, granted the accused bail at N500,000 each, with two sureties each.
Further hearing has been fixed for September 13.