LAGOS—For allegedly converting his customer’s vehicle worth N8 million to his own use, a 53-year-old car dealer, Zephaniah Okoli, was on Wednesday arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos.

Okoli, whose address was not given, is standing trial on a two-count charge bordering on fraud and forgery.

The prosecutor, Inspector Idowu Osungbure, told the court that the accused committed the offence in Lagos sometime in October 2013.

He said that the accused allegedly collected a 2006 Range Rover L3 model, valued at N8 million, property of one Francis Onwuka, under pretext of selling it but converted it to his personal use.

Osungbure alleged that the accused forged the documents of the vehicle and sold it without the knowledge of Onwuka.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 312 and 363 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Though, the accused pleaded not guilty, if found guilty, Section 312 provides 14 years imprisonment for the offence.

Counsel to the accused, Mrs Helen Ibeji, urged the court to grant bail to the accused on liberal terms.

In her ruling, the Magistrate, Mrs F. F. George, granted the accused bail in the sum of N250, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

George said one of the sureties must be a close relation of the accused and must produce evidence of two years tax payment.

She also ordered that the sureties must be gainfully employed and their addresses verified by the court. The case was adjourned till Jan. 13 for mention.