A poultry farmer, Emeka Ogbonna, was on Tuesday arraigned before a Dutse Magistrates’ Court in Abuja for allegedly defrauding his uncle of N17 million.

Ogbonna, who resides in Niger State, is facing charges of criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and cheating. He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecuting counsel, Mr Otobha Okpa, told the court that the complainant, Mr Matthew Ukwu, reported the matter at the Dutse Alhaji Police Station in Abuja.

He said the offences contravened Sections 312, 309 and 322 of the Penal Code.

Inspector Kumode Ozodehe, the team leader of the police officers who investigated the case, appeared before the court as a prosecution witness.

Ozodehe told the court that sometime in April 2024, Ogbonna introduced an investment proposal to Ukwu for the establishment of a poultry farm.

According to the witness, the defendant offered to assist in purchasing livestock, birds and equipment and developing the farm, claiming to have extensive experience in poultry farming.

He said Ukwu subsequently transferred N17 million to Ogbonna for the purchase of livestock, birds and other equipment required for the farm.

However, several months after the transfer, Ukwu allegedly demanded to inspect the items purchased with the money, only to discover that no purchases had been made.

Ozodehe said the complainant subsequently reported the matter to the police.

He told the court that investigations allegedly revealed that the money had been diverted to the defendant’s personal business, leading to the charges of criminal breach of trust and cheating.

The witness added that N1 million was recovered from Ogbonna’s bank account during the investigation.

Defence alleges police coercion

In his defence, counsel to the defendant, Mr Marvin Ibem, alleged that Ogbonna made his statement to the police under duress.

Ibem told the court that his client appeared battered and bruised at the police station and that his lawyer was not present when he made the statement.

Ogbonna, while responding to the allegations, told the court that he diverted the money because the complainant’s farm was not ready for operation.

He, however, said he intended to refund the money once the farm became operational.

The defendant further claimed that N4.5 million had so far been refunded to the complainant.

After hearing the submissions, the Senior Magistrate, Mr Abdullahi Ilela, ordered that Ogbonna be remanded in police custody.

The court adjourned the matter until September 30 for further hearing.