CUSTOM BOSS

Customs officer faces N7m fraud charge.

A customs officer, Kadir Omata, on Wednesday appeared before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly defrauding a female colleague of N7 million.
The accused had allegedly defrauded Mrs Asibi Onalo, under the pretext of helping her to facilitate the export of ginger from the Northern part of Nigeria to Europe.
Omata, 47, who is standing trial on a four-count charge of conspiracy, fraud, stealing and issuing of dud cheque, has, however, entered a ``not guilty’’ plea.
But the Prosecutor, ASP Innocent Effiong, told the court that Omata in his capacity as a customs officer of the rank of DSP used his private company to commit the offence.
He said the accused had in December 2009 at 3, Force Road, Onikan, Lagos, obtained N7 million from Onalo under false pretence.
He said in a bid to pay back the N7 million, Omata issued two Zenith bank cheques for N3.5 million each dated Jan. 5 and March 6 respectively which bounced on presentation.
Effiong said the dud cheque offences were committed between Dec. 2009 and March 6 at Lagos Island and Gowon Estate, Egbeda, Lagos, and contravened Sections 390 (9) and 419 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The accused, on conviction, may be sentenced to seven years imprisonment.
The Magistrate, Philip Ojo admitted the accused to a bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned further hearing to July 11.