An Igbosere High Court of Lagos State, has ordered the remand of an Indian, Lokesh Parwani, who attempted suicide after been arrested over alleged stealing and fraud of N146 million.
Justice Nichol Clay, made the remand order, after the defendant had pleaded not guilty to the seven counts charge of conspiracy, stealing fraud, issuance of dud cheques and attempted suicide.
The men of Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (ForceCIID) Annex, Alagbon-Ikoyi, Lagos had filed the charges against him.
The police had in charge number LD/10480c/2019, accused the defendant of conspiring with some others said to be at large, of stealing and defrauding their employer of the sum of N149.666 million.
He was said to have committed the offence sometimes in July, 2019, while acting as the company’s Personal Manager.
Upon the detection of the alleged stealing and fraud, he was said to have promised in paying back the money instalmental and thereby issued four dud cheques in the sums of $69, 444 USD; $69, 444 USD; $69, 444 USD and $44, 444 USD.
He was alleged to have attempted suicide on July 19, 2019, at the entrance gate of the Force CIID, when he swallowed a rat killer named ‘Super Ready Action Bait Cake’.
The offences according to the Legal Officer, ForceCIID, Mr. Morufu Animashaun, are contrary to and punishable under sections 411, 287 and 407 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015
Animashaun also told the court that the offences also contrary to and punishable under sections 1 (1) (b) of the Dishonoured Cheques Offence (Act). Cap D11. Vol. 5. Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The defendant had pleaded not guilty to all the counts of the charge.
And following his plea of not guilty, his counsel, Abiodun Kolawole and Emmanuel Asonroye, told the court that they have filed their client’s bail application and same has been served on the prosecution.
Animashaun who confirmed been served argued that he is still within the time to file his reply to the application.
He therefore urged the court to remand him in prison facility pending the hearing and determination of the bail application.
Following the submissions of the counsel, Justice Clay, while adjourned the matter till December 2, for hearing of the defendant’s application.
