A woman, Joy Godwin, who allegedly bought designer items worth N306,000 from a boutique but paid via a fake money transfer, was on Wednesday brought before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
Godwin, 26, was arraigned by the police on a two-count charge of fraud and theft before Mrs F. M. Dalley.
Prosecuting Sergeant Oluwafemi Adeleye alleged that Godwin committed the offences on July 13 at about 2:30pm at Ajah, Lagos.
The court heard that the defendant bought clothes shoes and bags worth N306,000 from Dress Jem Boutique and requested to pay by money transfer into the boutique’s account.
She was given a Point of Sale (POS) machine and it indicated that the transfer was successful, following which she left with the goods.
However, it was afterwards discovered that no money was remitted into the boutique’s bank account.
Adeleye said: “The sales girl called the number the defendant gave the boutique several times, but it was unavailable.
“On July 17, the defendant returned to the boutique, disguised with a hijab and sun glasses. She bought five tops, one trouser and two pairs of shoes and again asked to use the POS machine.
“Her request made the sales girl suspicious and she asked to see the defendant’s face, but she refused. The sales girl raised the alarm and, when the defendant’s sunglasses and face veil were removed, it was discovered that she was the same person.”
According to the prosecutor, the offences contravened Sections 287 and 314 (1) (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
But Godwin pleaded not guilty.
Magistrate Dalley granted her N100,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.
The case continues on August 14.
