By Emmanuel Nduka
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Macmillan Nigeria Publisher, Prof. Adesanya Adelekan, and one Bola Fasasi with $156,700 book fraud.
The anti-graft agency arraigned Fasasi on Monday in Lagos, while Adelekan was at large.
The defendants are facing an amended six-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretences, before an Ikeja Special Offences Court.
“Macmillan Nigeria Publisher, Prof. Adesanya Iyiola Adelekan (now at large) and Fasasi Bola, sometime in 2018, obtained books worth $156,711.87 for sale by false pretences from BHS Book Printing SDN BHD of Selangor, Malaysia,” the commission stated in the charge sheet.
It said that the defendants, under false pretences, promised to sell the books and remit the proceeds within two weeks of receiving the bill of lading.
“Macmillan Nigeria Publisher, Prof. Adesanya Iyiola Adelekan (now at large) and Fasasi Bola, sometime in 2018 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, conspired among yourselves to obtain goods by false pretences, property of BHS Book Printing SDN BHD of Selangor, Malaysia,” it added.
Mr Fasasi, however, pleaded not guilty.
Justice Mojisola Dada remanded Fasasi in Ikoyi Correctional Centre, and adjourned the case until July 8 for hearing of his bail application.
NAN
