Police arraign businessman over extortion

The police on Tuesday arraigned a businessman, Onifade Ifacorade, in a Wuse Zone 6 Magistrate Court, Abuja, for alleged extortion of N371,000 from his customer. The defendant, who resides at Nois Kapuwa village, Abuja, is facing a two-count charge bordering on extortion and cheating. The prosecutor, Fatima Shehu, told the court that one Igboji Chikodi […]

The police on Tuesday arraigned a businessman, Onifade Ifacorade, in a Wuse Zone 6 Magistrate Court, Abuja, for alleged extortion of N371,000 from his customer.

The defendant, who resides at Nois Kapuwa village, Abuja, is facing a two-count charge bordering on extortion and cheating.

The prosecutor, Fatima Shehu, told the court that one Igboji Chikodi of Pambara New Extension Bwari, Abuja, reported the matter at the Lugbe Police Station, Abuja, on Oct.16.

Shehu said sometime in July, the defendant criminally deceived and extorted N371,000 from Chikodi, with a promise to assist boost his business.

The prosecutor alleged that the defendant reneged on his promise and absconded.

She told the court that the defendant, after his arrest, confessed to have collected only N303,000 from the complainant and not N371, 000, but efforts made to recover the money proved abortive.

According to her, the offence contravenes sections 322 and 292 of the Penal Code.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mrs Linda Chidama, admitted him to bail in the sum of N500, 000 with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case until Nov. 30 for hearing. (NAN)