The Inspector General of the Nigerian Police Force has filed a 21 count amended charge of conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence the sum of $236,400 against a Lagos business man, Jerald Uche Lebechi, and his company Monarch and Co International Limited.
The filing of the amended charge by the IGP was sequel to a two page petition dated 13 January, 2025, received from one Barrister Ese P. Okiti Esq, of COLUMBUS OKARO & CO, Blynk Suite, 23 Ezekiel Street, Off Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos State, on behalf of their client, one Mr. Venatus Onwughalu, that sometimes in August, 2021, Jerald Uche Lebechi fraudulently obtained cumulative sum of two hundred and thirty-six thousand, four hundred United State dollars ($236,400.00) under the pretence of procuring travelling document to Grenada for him and his family, a representation which later turned out to be false, as no travelling document was procured nor money refunded.
Instead, when their client demanded for a refund of his money, the 1st Defendant/ Respondent issued him fifteen (15) Union bank cheques, with account number: 0165966846, of ten million naira (N10,000,000.00) each, totaling N150 million (one hundred and fifty million naira), which upon presentation in the bank, were all returned dishonoured on ground of insufficient funds, hence, their report to the Police for investigation.
Investigation into the case has been concluded, and prima facie evidence of crime established against the Defendants have been charged to the Court in Charge Number: FHC/L/308C/2025 dated 14 March, 2025.
However, the said charge had been amended dated 7 April, 2025.
The presiding Judge, Ibrahim Ahmad Kala, has adjourned till 24 June, 2025 when the trial of the defendants will commence.