A 48-year-old estate agent, Nonso Ibekwe, was on Friday, arraigned before the Ebute-Metta Magistrate Court in Lagos State, for allegedly defrauding a client, Samuel Ugbo, of N36m under the pretence of selling land to the client.
The defendant, who was said to have committed the offences sometime in 2022, is facing three counts bordering on conspiracy obtaining and stealing preferred against him by the police.
The incident happened at Plot 705, Festac Phase 2, in the Abule Ado area of the state.
According to the prosecution, Ibekwe, along with his accomplices who are currently at large, deceived the complainant, Samuel Ugbo, into paying N36m for six plots of land.
The prosecutor said Ibekwe allegedly obtained the N36m from Ugbo under false pretence.
The court was informed that the complainant, Ugbo, had been led to believe that the land was available for purchase, and in good faith, transferred the money to Ibekwe.
However, after the payment was made, it became clear that the land transaction was a sham, which led to the charges against Ibekwe.
According to the charge, the offences committed contravened Sections 325, 314, (1),(2),3 and 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
Consequently, Magistrate Waliu Salami, granted him bail in the sum of N1m with two sureties in like sum.
He said the sureties must provide evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government and have their addresses verified.
The case was adjourned till September 18, 2024, for mention.
