A businessman has been arraigned in Abuja for allegedly defrauding a client of N2.1 million.
He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail, with the case adjourned to September 2, 2025.
A 36-year-old businessman, Eze Shedrach, has been brought before a Magistrates’ Court in Life Camp, Abuja, over allegations that he defrauded one of his clients of N2.1 million.
Shedrach, who lives opposite the Mountain of Fire Church in the Mpape area of Abuja, is facing charges of criminal breach of trust and cheating. He pleaded not guilty to the accusations during his appearance in court on Tuesday.
The case was reported by Mr. Ikechukwu Obihara, a resident of Apo, Abuja. According to the prosecutor, Mrs. Charity Nwachukwu, the incident was first reported at the Gwarimpa Police Station. She said the issue began in July 2024 when Obihara gave Shedrach N5 million to help purchase iron rods.
The understanding between both parties was that the rods would be bought and kept at Shedrach’s shop until Obihara needed them. However, in January 2025, Obihara reportedly asked Shedrach to sell the rods and return the full amount since he needed the money for other purposes.
Shedrach later sold the materials but only paid back N2.9 million. He allegedly kept the remaining N2.1 million for himself. The prosecutor said Shedrach then shut down his shop and went into hiding. After several failed attempts to reach him, he was tracked and arrested by the police.
Nwachukwu said the actions of the defendant violated Sections 312 and 322 of the Penal Code. She also noted that efforts to recover the balance of the money have not been successful.
Magistrate Ramilatu Halilu granted bail to Shedrach in the sum of N200,000. He is also required to provide two sureties who must be employed in reputable organisations and live within the court’s area of jurisdiction.
The case has been adjourned until September 2, 2025, for further hearing.
