A landlord, Joseph Siewe, on Monday appeared before a Kado Grade I Area Court, Abuja, for alleged refusal to refund his tenant`s rent after the rented property was demolished.
The defendant, who resides in Lapadoma area of Jahi 1, Abuja, was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and cheating.
The Prosecutor, Ferdinand Orji told the court that the complainant, Somuvie Oghenetega of Sunnyvale Estate, Abuja reported the matter at the Mabushi Police Station on Aug. 16.
Orji alleged that the complainant paid the defendant a sum of N350, 000, being payment for a one year rent on May 15.
The prosecutor said that a month later, the said property was demolished by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
Orji said the complainant asked for a refund of her money, after discovering that the defendant knew that the property was marked for demolition and still collected the rent from her.
Orji said that the offence contravened the provision of sections 312 and 322 of the Penal Code.
The defendant however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The judge, Mohammed Wakili, therefore admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N300, 000 in like sum and a reliable surety with means of identification.
Wakili adjourned the case until Oct.4, for hearing (NAN)