Estate agent, 62, docked over alleged N30m fraud
A 62-year-old estate agent, Sulaimon Gbajabiamila, was, on Monday, brought before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over alleged N30 million property sales fraud
The defendant is facing a two-count charge of obtaining money under false pretence and stealing.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Police Prosecutor, ASP Rita Momah, told the court that the defendant committed the offences at No. 20, Bankole Olemoh Str., in the Surulere area of Lagos.
Read Also: Irabor berates Zamfara Governor for asking citizens to bear arms
She told the court that the defendant had acted as the complainant, Lateef Adeyemo’s agent in the sale of his two-bedroom apartment but converted the N30 million proceeds from the sale to his personal use.
According to Momah, the offences contravene Sections 314 and 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).
Section 314 is punishable by 15 years imprisonment for obtaining under pretence while 287 stipulates three years imprisonment for the offence of stealing for offenders convicted of the charges.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Adeola Adedayo, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N5 million, with two responsible sureties in like sum.
She said that the sureties must submit copies of their National Identification Number (NIN) and Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) card.
Adedayo further said that one of the sureties must be a religious or community leader and that both of them must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
She, thereafter, adjourned the case till July 25 for mention.