A 51-year-old businessman, Victor Okechukwu, on Friday, appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for allegedly defrauding his client to the tune of N34. 7 million.

The defendant who resides at No. 2, Allen Ave., Ikeja, is being prosecuted by the police, on charges of conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence and stealing.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, ASP Adegoke Ademigbuji, told the court that the defendant committed the offence in the month of May, at Trading Pro Ltd, Allen Ave, Ikeja.

He alleged that the defendant obtained the sum of 34,000 dollars, equivalent of N34.7 million, from one Mr Adekunle Olaniyan, with a promise to help him purchase a robot for an online trading.

According to the prosecutor, the defendant failed to purchase the product, but disappeared with the money, adding that all efforts to reach him failed.

He also alleged that the defendant sent a death threat message to the complainant.

The prosecutor said that the defendant was eventually arrested and charged.

The offences contravene the provisions of sections 287, 314 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs M. F Onamusi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of two million naira, with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case until December 18, for mention.