3 Fake Prophets in court for alleged N1.7 m fraud

Three men, who claimed to be prophets, were arraigned on Wednesday before an Apapa Chief Magistrates’ Court, for obtaining N1.7 million under false pretences from a businessman, Mr Dama Lawan.

The accused persons are Merchart Joseph 25, Lukeman Rasheed 49 and David Agha 40.



Prosecutor John Iberedem said the accused would be tried for stealing and obtaining money under false pretences.

He told the court that the accused persons deceived Lawan into believing that they were prophets of God and had the power to make him rich.

He said that the trio, knowing full well that they had nothing to offer Lawan, disappeared immediately after collecting the money.

He said that they were later apprehended by the police.

The prosecutor, who said that the accused had no fixed addresses, alleged that they committed the offences on Jan. 20 at No. 1, Shobayo Close, Apapa.

Iberedem said that the offences contravened Sections 285, 312 (a) and 409 of the Criminal Code, Cap 17, Vol. 2, Laws of Lagos State.

The three accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Magistrate E. A. Ogundare admitted each of them to a bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum.

He directed that the sureties should show evidence of tax payment and have their addresses verified by the prosecutor.

He subsequently adjourned further hearing till March 30. (NAN)