How retired police officer lost N20m to ‘fraudster’

A businesswoman, Omirafe Taiwo, who allegedly defrauded a retired assistant police commissioner of N20 million, was on Thursday charged before an Igbosere magistrates’ court in Lagos.

Taiwo, 39, whose address is unknown, is facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, fraud, issuance of dud cheque and stealing.

She denied the charge.

But Friday Mameh, the prosecutor, insisted that the accused and others still at large conspired and committed the offences at Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, between April and September 21.

He said the accused fraudulently obtained N20 million from Noah Adeosun, the complainant who is a retired assistant commissioner of police, under guise of selling a building to him.

Mameh alleged that on June 29, the accused issued a dud cheque for N20 million in favour of the complainant.

According to the prosecutor, when the cheque was presented, it was dishonoured due to insufficient funds.

The offences contravened sections 287, 314 (1) (2), and 321 (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Counsel to the accused, Jude Ozemoya, urged the court to release her to him, promising to produce her in court throughout the trial.

“The accused is my client, I know her very well and I will make sure she attends court’s proceedings,” the lawyer said.

In her ruling, Olanike Olagbende, the magistrate, cautioned the counsel to ensure that the accused is produced in court, threatening to put him in the dock instead.

She, however, released the accused to Ozemoya and adjourned the case until December 5 for mention.