Bricklayer remanded over N1.2m failed contract

An Ejigbo, Lagos, chief magistrate court, on Monday ordered the remand of a 48-year-old bricklayer, John Odunleke, at a correctional facility over a failed N1.2 million contract. Odunleke was alleged to have fraudulently collected the said sum from Barrister Steven Agbaloke for the construction of a three-bedroom flat. The defendant was dragged to court on […]

An Ejigbo, Lagos, chief magistrate court, on Monday ordered the remand of a 48-year-old bricklayer, John Odunleke, at a correctional facility over a failed N1.2 million contract.

Odunleke was alleged to have fraudulently collected the said sum from Barrister Steven Agbaloke for the construction of a three-bedroom flat.

The defendant was dragged to court on a two- count charge of stealing and obtaining money by false pretence.

The police said that the failed contract deal was consummated at Grey Close, Jakande Estate, Lagos, after Odunleke had introduced himself to the complainant as a building contractor who he would help to build a three-bedroom apartment.

The prosecutor, Superintendent Kenneth Asibor, further told the court that the defendant, after collecting the said sum, disappeared into thin air and the complainant then reported the matter to the police at the Ejigbo Division.

Odunleke, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge.

Asibor asked the court to give a date for hearing to enable the police prove that the defendant actually committed the offence.

The magistrate, Mr T. O. Shomade, granted Odunleke bail in the sum of N1.2m, with one surety in like sum.

Shomade remanded him in prison custody pending when he would perfect his bail conditions and adjourned the case till April 20, 2020 for mention.