Ikeja ----------------- A 45-year-old businessman, Austin Ogiemwonyi, who allegedly obtained N1.7 million on the pretext of buying a car, was on Friday charged before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for theft and obtaining money under false pretences.

The defendant, who resides at Satellite Town, Lagos, however, pleaded not guilty.

Ogiemwonyi allegedly committed the offences on May 18 at Satellite Town, according to the police Prosecutor, ASP Ezekiel Ayorinde.

Ayorinde said that the defendant obtained the sum from one Mr Monday Sunday on the pretext of buying a Toyota Corolla car for him.

His words, “After the defendant collected the money from the complainant, he was nowhere to be found.

“Efforts made by the complainant to get the car or retrieve his money proved unsuccessful.

“The defendant was later apprehended by the police.”

Ayorinde said that the offences contravened Sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.Section 287 prescribes three years’ imprisonment for stealing while section 314 provides for 15 years’ jail term for obtaining money under false pretences.

The presiding Magistrate, Mrs O. A. Olayinka, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum and directed that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State government before adjourning the case till November 17 for hearing.