BY INNOCENT ANABA
ABUJA — An Abuja-based contractor, Akin Olusina, has been arraigned before an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court over allegations of breach of trust and cheating by  issuing a dud cheque to his landlord, Chineme Ume-Ezeoke.

The accused person is facing a one-count charge of cheating and breach of trust under Sections 310 and 320 of the criminal code.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was admitted to bail, while further hearing in the matter was adjourned to December 17.

Counsel to Chineme Ume-Ezeoke, Mr George Obidiaso, had in a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, alleged that Okusina is a tenant of a three-bedroom flat at 4, Oliver Thambo Street, Asokoro, Abuja.

He said: “On November 15, 2012, he part paid to petitioner N1.05 million through a post dated Stanbic IBTC Bank cheque dated February 17,2013 with number 0000003 in the sum of N1 million being payment for his rent and service charge at 4, Oliver Thambo Street, Asokoro, Abuja.

“The petitioner declined the cheque but he was reassured by Olusina that the account was funded and on February 28, the petitioner paid in the cheque but to his  dismay, the cheque was returned for lack of funds in  Akin Olusina account.”

Obidiaso stated that he was under intense pressure from the landlord to remit his rent and that all efforts to collect the money from Olusina had failed as he has refused to redeem the said dud cheque.