A 43-year-old businessman, Taofik Lawal, has been arraigned before a Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court over an alleged ₦18.365 million fraud involving coconut seeds.

Lawal, whose residential address was not disclosed, is facing a three-count charge bordering on fraud, stealing and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to him.

According to the prosecutor, ASP Edet Ekpo, the alleged offence was committed on April 23, 2025, at about 10:00 a.m. along Elyon Street, Badagry, Lagos.

The prosecution told the court that the defendant allegedly collected ₦18,365,000 from the complainant, Dupe Oladejo, under the pretence of supplying coconut seeds, but failed to deliver the items as agreed.

ASP Ekpo further alleged that the defendant’s actions amounted to fraudulent conversion of the complainant’s money and conduct capable of breaching public peace. He said the offences contravened Sections 314, 287 and 168 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Ruling on the matter, the Chief Magistrate, Nurudeen Layeni, granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦5 million, with two sureties in like sum. The court stipulated that one of the sureties must be either a family member or a business associate of the defendant.

The case was adjourned until February 18, 2026, for mention.