BY ONOZURE DANIA
Lagos — A 44-year-old businessman, Wahab Matonle, was Tuesday  arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Ikeja, for alleged attempt to defraud the Lagos State Government of N1.4 million.

Matonle, who is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy was docked before Magistrate Demi Ajayi.

The state prosecutor, Mr Tunde Sunmonu, told the court that the defendant and one Bisi Peter, now at large, conspired to commit the offence.

He said Matonle with intent to defraud the Lagos government paid N200,000 as land use charge assessment fee as against the proposed N1.479, 036, 60k charged him.

The prosecutor said the offence was committed on April 17 at the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.

According him, the offence committed  contravenes Sections 320 and 323, Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011.

When the charges was read, the defendant, who resides at 3, Olufunmi Street Olososun, in Oregun area of Ikeja, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge.

Magistrate, Demi-Ajayi granted him bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Stating that each surety should deposit N100, 000 in a designated account of the chief Registrar. She adjourned the matter to July,5,2012, for trial.