LAGOS – A 65-year-old man, Ramon Raji, who allegedly impersonated a Customs official in order to defraud a woman of N800,000, has appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.
Raji, who resides at No.11, Morakinyo St., Baruwa, Ikeja, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, impersonation and stealing.
He, however, entered a plea of not guilty.
The Prosecutor, ASP Samson Ekikere told the court that Raji committed the offences on Oct. 15, 2014 at No. 15, John Olugbo St., Ikeja at 1.30 p.m.
Ekikere said Raji posed as a Chief Superintendent of Customs and obtained N800, 000 from one Mrs Uche Obioha on the pretext of assisting her to purchase a vehicle being auctioned by the Nigeria Customs Service.
According to him, the accused, in company of some others at large, obtained the sum from Obioha under the guise of getting her the vehicle.
“The accused impersonated a Chief Superintendent of Customs by wearing a complete officer’s uniform.
“Raji also fraudulently obtained N800,000 from Mrs Uche Obioha under the guise of selling to her a vehicle for auction.
“The accused was apprehended following a formal complaint to the police,” the prosecutor said.
Ekikere said that the offences committed contravened Sections 285, 378 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The Magistrate, Mrs Yewande Aje-Afunwa, granted Raji bail in the sum of N500,000 with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case to June 29 for mention.
