A 32-year-old man on Friday, March 6, appeared in an Oredo Magistrates’ Court, Benin for allegedly obtaining N9,000 from a nurse.
The defendant, Joseph Nwagu, is being tried for conspiracy, and obtaining goods by false pretence.
The prosecutor, Inspector Shaibu Mohammed, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on February 17, at Upper Lawani by Edokpolor Grammar School, Benin.
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The prosecutor alleged that the defendant had on the said day conspired with others at large to obtain N9,000 from a nurse, Mrs Esther Luke, with pretence to remove poison from her stomach which he knew was false.
According to the Prosecutor, the complainant was on her way from work when the accused person and others at large asked for a direction of a street which she was not familiar with.
He said immediately the complainant responded, she lost her direction, and found herself discussing with them and followed them.
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The accused persons convinced her that she has poison in her stomach, and they collected the sum of N9,000 from her and asked her to bring more money.
They assured the complainant that they will help her to remove the poison from her stomach.
The prosecutor said that thereafter, the accused persons called the complainant to come with money and her husband followed her and hid nearby as he watched them.
He said that it was the scene of the crime, the accused person was arrested where he was about to collect the money, and others ran away.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 516, and 419 of the Criminal Code of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria, 1976, now applicable to Edo.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
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The Magistrate, John Uwoghiren, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum.
Uwoghiren added that the surety must reside within jurisdiction.
The Magistrate therefore adjourned the case till March 16, for hearing.
PHOTO: File