Estate Agent Charged With N1.8m Rent Fraud

A 49-year-old estate agent, Bolaji Adeoye, who allegedly obtained N1.8 million rent under false pretences, on Tuesday appeared before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court on Lagos Island.

The accused, who lives at No 46, King George St, Onikan, Lagos Island, is facing a charge of stealing.

The Prosecutor, Sgt Cyriacus Osuji, told the court that Adeoye committed the offence between 2010 and 2013 at No 39, King Juggled St, Onikan, Lagos Island.

According to him, the accused obtained the sum of N1.8 million from tenants and refused to remit the money to the complainant, Alhaji Raufu Yusuf, the landlord.

He said the money was rent which had accumulated for three years.

“The accused obtained the sum of N1.8 million from tenants living in Yusuf’s house and converted the money to personal use.”

The offence contravened Section 287 (7) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.  The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Magistrate, Mrs B.O. Botoku, granted him bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

She said the sureties must be gainfully employed and should also show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government as part of the bail condition.

She adjourned the case until June 16 for mention.