An Indian, Lokesh Parwani, who allegedly attempted to commit suicide after he was arrested for an alleged N116 million fraud, on Thursday appeared at an Igbosere Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
The Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (FCIID), Annex, Alagbon-Ikoyi, Lagos arraigned Parwani, the personnel manager of an Indian-owned firm in Lagos, on a three-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and attempted suicide.
Police counsel Morufu Animashaun alleged that Parwani and his accomplices, now on the run, conspired and defrauded his employer of the money on July 19, at Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
He said the defendant’s employer reported the fraud to the police, who, after investigation, confronted Parwani with the allegations on July 26.
The police arrested Parwani, but he allegedly attempted to take his life by quickly eating ‘Super Kill Action Ready Bait Cake’, a rat poison.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened sections 411, 280(1) and 235 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 and punishable under sections 287 and 407 of the same law.
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The defendant pleaded not guilty.
Following his plea, Animashaun prayed the court to remand Parwani at prison custody pending trial.
But the defendant’s lawyers, Gani Oyerevuegbe and Mustapha Danisi, opposed him.
They said Parwani had no criminal record and applied for his bail “in the most liberal terms.”
“We will ensure his appearance in court for trial,” they added.
In a bench ruling, Chief Magistrate K. K. Awoyinka granted the defendant N1million bail with two sureties in the like sum, one of who must be a civil servant not below Grade Level 10 in the Lagos State civil service.
Both sureties must be residents of Lagos State, must provide evidence of three years tax payment, “payable to the state government.
“Each surety must furnish the court with account statements with a standing balance of N1.5 million and two recent passport photographs. The defendant should deposit his international passport with the chief registrar,” Mrs. Awoyinka said.
She ordered the prosecution to verify compliance with the bail terms.
Awoyinka remanded Parwani in prison custody pending fulfilment of the bail terms and adjourned till September 2.
