17th June, 2011
A Lagos Island-based estate agent, Tunde Rahimi, a.k.a. Baba Oyo, 45, has been arrested by the police at the Adeniji Adele division, Lagos Island, Southwest Nigeria for allegedly defrauding prospective tenants to the tune of N30m.
He was arraigned before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos Island on a 76-count charge of obtaining money under false pretence and fraud.
Rahimi who operates at 2, Idumagbo Avenue, Lagos Island was alleged to have collected money ranging from N350,000, N280,000, N210,000, N200,000 and N132,000 respectively from about 35 people on the pretence of providing them one-room and two-room apartments on Lagos Island.
He was arrested when the prospective tenants sent a complaint to the police at Adeniji Adele division that he collected various sums of money from them for accommodation, but failed to provide houses for them and also refused to refund their money.
After investigation, he was charged before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a 76-count charge of stealing and fraud, offences punishable under Sections 419 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Cap.17, Vol.11, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2009.
Count 1, 2, 3 of the charge read: â€That you, Tunde Rahimi, a.k.a Baba Oyo on 12, 13 January and 9 March, 2010 at 2, Idumagbo Avenue, Lagos Island did obtain N210,000 from Oloyede Olufemi, N200,000 from Bolaji Eletu, N280,000 from Popo Ramota and 73 other prospective tenants on the pretence of providing them with a room and two-room apartments.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and the presiding magistrate, Mrs. Abegunde Daniel refused to take his plea.
She ordered that the accused be remanded in prison and adjourned the matter till 6 July, 2011.
—Paul Iyoghojie