A man has pleaded not guilty to duping his girlfriend of N2.9 million to buy her a RAV 4 car.
Reports say, Nebo Ogochukwu had trusted him with the money because even though he was already married, he had promised to marry her.
On Thursday, 40-year-old Godwin Ochapa was denied bail by a Karu Upper Area Court judge in Abuja. He appeared before the presiding judge, Umar Kagarko, on a four-count-charge, which he committed in 2010.
According to reports, prosecutor, Bulus Samuel, said Ogochukwu reported the case at the State Criminal Investigation Department claiming that Ochapa approached her and indicated his interest to marry, based on the promise, she believed that he was seriously in love with her.
Ochapa even introduced her as ‘his wife to be’ when they met his elder sister, and the couple had gone as far as setting a date for an introduction ceremony in the east.
“The accused also told the complainant to take him to her parents with a view to making his intention known and pick a date for marriage.
“Based on the relationship and trust, the complainant became convinced by Ochapa’s proposal and entrusted the sum of N2.9 million to him to buy her a RAV 4 car.
“The car was to make their wedding preparations easy but the accused collected the said money and disappeared to an unknown destination.
“When the complainant discovered that the accused was happily married with two kids, she reported the case to the police in 2012’’, the prosecutor said.
The prosecutor said the crimes are punishable under sections 388, 385, 312, 322 and 309 of Penal Code and the case was adjourned to May 6.
