The Nigerian Police Force on Tuesday arraigned two men, Suleiman Lamu and Anas Abdullahi, before the Federal Capital Territory Magistrates’ Court in Dutse, Abuja, for allegedly selling a used car as a Belgium-used vehicle to a customer.

According to the nominal complainants, Manash Paul and Banwo Olagokun, after purchasing the car for over ₦6 million, they discovered that it was a Nigerian-used vehicle, previously registered twice in the country.

The complainants further alleged that the car caused significant stress for its owner due to its frequent breakdowns.

The defendants who were docked before Magistrate Mariam Muazu are facing a one-count charge bordering on alleged criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and cheating, contrary to Sections 97, 312, and 322 of the Penal Code in the charge marked CR/DUT/716/25.

The charge brought against the defendants reads, “One Manash Paul on behalf of Mr Banwo Olagokun came to the Divisional Police Headquarters, Dawaki, Abuja, and reported you, Suleiman Buba Lamu and Anas Yau Abdullahi, both male.

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“That he bought a Highlander Jeep which was falsely presented to him as a direct Belgium car with Chassis No: JTEDP21A540032900 for the sum of N6,100,000.00 only and was issued with Receipt No: 0177, dated 15/04/2025, from A.&S Halal Motors Ltd. During test-running and further investigation about the car, it was discovered that it had been registered by two different buyers.

“By so doing, you have committed the offences for which you are charged.”

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them.

Subsequently, the defence counsel made an application for bail for his clients, which was opposed by the prosecution.

The defence counsel stated, “Your Lordship, we humbly apply for bail to be granted to the defendants. The offence is a bailable offence.

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“Where an offence is bailable, it becomes a constitutional right of the accused.

“The accused persons are ready to stand trial and will be available whenever the matter comes up. They are also prepared to fulfil the terms of the bail conditions granted.

“They will not obstruct investigation, and I believe that in this case, the investigation is concluded.

” On this note, we apply that their bail request be granted.”

The prosecution, in his objection, stated,“The defence counsel did not tell us if there is a surety.

“My Lordship, if granted bail, the defendants before this noble court will intimidate the witness.

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“If this noble court considers granting the request, we urge the court to impose conditions that will mandate the defendants to appear before this court daily for their trial.

“The Administration of Criminal Justice Act demands that the defendants deposit a cost which is reasonable as a security for their bail.

“This sum shall be forfeited in the interest of justice if they jump bail.

“These are my humble submissions.”

The defence counsel, in his response, stated, “We have affirmed that the defendants are ready to make themselves available for trial.

“In the court of law, bail is a right, and that is the right we are invoking.

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“We crave the indulgence of this honourable court to admit the defendants on liberal terms.”

The judge, after listening to the arguments of both parties, ruled, “I agree that bail is at the discretion of the court.

” I hereby grant the defendants bail in the sum of N500,000 each, with two sureties residing within the jurisdiction of the court.

“The sureties must swear to an affidavit of means and submit their passport photographs to the court.”

The matter was adjourned to July 28, for hearing.
(PUNCH)