Fraud
By Christy Dike
Abuja, Sept. 1, 2026 (NAN) The police on Tuesday arraigned a poultry farmer, Emeka Ogbonna, before a Dutse Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, for allegedly swindling his uncle of N17 million.
Ogbonna, who resides in Niger, is standing trial on charges bordering on criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and cheating, to which he, however, pleaded not guilty.
The Prosecuting Counsel, Mr Otobha Okpa, told the court that the complainant, Mr Matthew Ukwu, reported the matter at Dutse Alhaji Police Station, Abuja.
He said that the offences contravened Sections 312, 309 and 322 of the Penal Code.
Inspector Kumode Ozodehe, the team leader of the police officers who investigated the matter, appeared in court as a prosecution witness.
Ozodehe told the court that sometime in April 2024, the defendant introduced an investment proposal to the complainant, involving the establishment of a poultry farm.
He said that the defendant offered to help purchase livestock, birds and equipment, while developing the farm, claiming to have extensive experience in poultry farming.
The witness said that Ukwu subsequently transferred N17 million to the defendant for purchasing the livestock, birds and other equipment needed at the farm.
He said that several months after the transfer, the complainant demanded to see what had been purchased, only to discover that no purchase had been made.
Ozodehe said that the complainant subsequently reported the matter to the police.
He further stated that investigation revealed that the money had allegedly been diverted to the defendant’s personal business, resulting in charges of criminal breach of trust and cheating.
The witness stated that N1 million was recovered from the defendant’s bank account during the investigation.
In his defence, Counsel to the defendant, Mr Marvin Ibem, alleged that Ogbonna made his statement to the police under duress.
Ibem said that the defendant appeared battered and bruised at the police station and that his lawyer was not present when he made the statement.
The defendant told the court that he diverted the money because the complainant’s farm was not ready, but intended to refund it when the farm became operational.
He also said that N4.5 million had so far been refunded to the complainant.
The Senior Magistrate, Mr Abdullahi Ilela, ordered that the defendant be remanded in police custody and adjourned the matter till Sept. 30 for further hearing.(NAN)
DEC/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
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