ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- A businessman, Sunny Yerima, was docked in a Dutse Chief Magistrates’ Court in Abuja, for allegedly swindling his colleague of N4.4 million.
The police charged Yerima, 38, with criminal breach of trust, criminal misappropriation and cheating.
The Prosecution Counsel, John Okpa, told the court that the complainant, Christian Odafe, reported the matter at the Kubwa Police Station on August 8.
Okpa said in September 2025, the defendant collected N4.4 million from Odafe to procure 1,250 16-week-old layer chickens.
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He alleged that Yerima converted the money to his personal use. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Defence Counsel, Linda Emosirame, applied for bail pursuant to the provisions of Sections 158 and 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
She also relied on Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and told the court that the defendant had reliable sureties.
Okpa opposed the bail application, arguing that the defendant had no fixed address.
She said the offence contravened the provisions of sections 312, 309 and 322 of the Penal Code Law.
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Chief Magistrate Abdullahi Ilelah held that the court is court of justice, equity, fairness and rule of law.
He added that bail is at the discretion of the court.
Ilelah subsequently, admitted Yerima to bail with one reasonable and reliable surety, who must provide valid means of identification.
He also ordered the defendant to deposit N5 million in an interest-yielding account of the High Court of the FCT, Maitama.
He then adjourned the case until September 9 for hearing.
NAN