A businesswoman,

Mustapha, whose address is unknown, is facing charges of obtaining money under false pretences and stealing.

She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

But the Prosecutor, Insp. Roman Unuigbe, told the court that Mustapha committed the offences on April 24 at No. 21, Sariyu St., Yaba.

According to him, the accused persuaded the complainant, Ifeayin Ekweme, to give her 300 bags of cement with a promise to pay back after sales.

Unuigbe alleged that after the accused had sold the cement, she failed to pay the complainant as promised and came up with excuses when he demanded payment.

The offences contravened Sections 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 312 stipulates a 15-year jail term for fraud, while Section 285 prescribes three years for stealing.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr P. A. Ojo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until June 6 for mention.