A car dealer has been charged with defrauding his late friend after secretly selling the deceased’s cars in his possession after his sudden death.
The suspect, Dayo Akala who was arraigned before an Isolo magistrate’s court, and his late friend, Obiora Samuel were both residents of Ijeshatedo at 96, Adeshina street in Lagos until the latter’s demise.
According to police, 46-year-old Akala allegedly deceived and obtained four vehicles, two Toyota Camry cars, Toyota Sequire and Sienna bus from late Obiora Samuel after he offered to help the deceased sell the cars, which landing cost is estimated at N3 million.
It was said that Obiora obliged him but failed to hand over the original papers of the cars to him, agreeing to do so if Akala gets a buyer.
But few weeks after the transaction, Obiora suddenly died.
Police said Akala took advantage of Obiora’s death to forge the vehicle documents, sold the cars and bolted away.
But unknown to him, Obiora’s widow knew about the transaction her late husband had with Akala, and was in possession of the original documents of those vehicles, which the deceased handed over to her.
After the burial, the wife went to Akala to know whether he had sold any of the vehicles, he denied any transaction with her late husband who was his friend.
The matter was reported at Ijeshatedo police division and Akala subsequently arrested and interrogated him.
During the interrogation, Akala owned up to selling the cars with forged documents and offered to refund the money which he failed to fulfill.
He was charged to court with three count charge of obtaining under false pretence, criminal conversion and forgery under the Criminal Code but pleaded not guilty.
The presiding Magistrate, Mrs O.A. Adedayo granted him bail in the sum of N1m with two sureties in like sum.
The matter was adjourned till 16 December 2015.
