A 23-year-old trader,

A resident of Ajegunle area of Lagos, Macaulay is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and obtaining money under false pretences.

The prosecution told the court that the woman obtained the facility from the complainant, Chinecherem Okonkwo, with a promise to pay back in five months.

Insp. Tony Elibeh said the accused committed the offences on Oct. 9, 2016 at the Trade Fair Complex on Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

“When the complainant called the accused after the expiration of the five months to pay his money, Macaulay started giving excuses.

“Macaulay switched off her phone and started avoiding Okonkwo .

“He reported the case to the police, who traced her apartment and arrested for further questioning,” he said.

The trader, however, entered a `not-guilty’ plea.

The offences contravened Sections 285, 312 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 312 prescribes a 15-year jail term for obtaining money under false pretences.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Titus Abolarinwa, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until April 26 for mention.