Fifty-year-old Victor Essiet of the Mandators fame, together with one Patricia Enobong, has been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly obtaining US$86,376 under false pretence.

The duo is charged with conspiracy, felony, stealing, fraud and obtaining money under false pretence, all made against them by the police.

Essiet and Patricia pleaded not guilty to the charges read to them in the open court.

The police prosecutor, Superintendent of Police Samson Ekikere, had told the court, presided over by Magistrate A. Afunwa, that the defendants committed the alleged offences in October 2009 at Adeniran Ogunsanya, Surulere, Lagos.

He said that the defendants obtained the said sum from one Etim Maurice through Standard Chartered Bank under the false pretence of buying and delivering five Mack trucks made to carry his goods which he did not.

According to Ekikere, the offence is contrary to section 312 (1)(a)(b) and punishable under section 312(3) of the criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

However, on the basis of their plea posture, Magistrate Y.O. Aje Afunwa granted them bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties who must be blood related, gainfully employed and must have
verifiable addresses.
She further ordered that the defendants should not travel outside Lagos without the approval of the court. She also said that the defendant should deposit his international passport.

The magistrate adjourned the matter till 28 October for trial.