An Aba-based lawyer, Ndubuisi Agbayi was on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 arraigned before a Magistrate court in the Aba South Magisterial District holden at Aba on a three-count charge bordering on fraud, conversion and improper conduct.
In the suit marked MAS/175/2024, (Commissioner’s of Police versus Ndubuisi Agbayi), the lawyer pleaded “Not Guilty” when the charges were read to him.
He was accused of obtaining the sum of N1,294,000.00 from the account of late Mr. Ndukwe Agu Ndukwe by false pretence and with intent to defraud, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 419 of the Criminal Code Cap 80, Volume 3 Laws of Abia State of Nigeria 2005.
In the second Count, the lawyer was accused of fraudulently converting the sum of N1,294,000.00 being part of the sum paid into the account of late Mr. Ndukwe Agu Ndukwe and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 290 (8)(b) of Criminal Code Cap 80 Volume 3 Laws of Abia State 2005.
In the final count, he was accused of conducting himself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace or reasonable apprehension of public and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 249 (d) of the Criminal Code Cap 80 Volume 3 Laws of Abia State 2005.
In his argument for bail on self recognition, the defendant’s lawyer, Mr A G E. Nwachukwu submitted that his client is a legal practitioner and owns property in Aba in addition to being a Paul Harris fellow of the Rotary International. He also made a case for accelerated trial.
The application for bail on self recognition was not opposed by the police prosecutor, mr chukwudi onuoha lawyer.
The presiding Magistrate Mrs. Prisca Asa granted the accused bail on self recognition and adjourned the case to August 14 for commencement of trail.