5th October, 2011
For allegedly duping two unsuspecting persons of N582,000 under the false impression of renting out a three-bedroom flat to them, a 35-year-old estate agent has been arrested by the police.
The accused, Babatunde Akinremisi of 73, Santos Avenue, Abule-Egba, Lagos allegedly collected the sum of N430, 000 from the first complainant, Ologun Ogboayanni.
He reportedly collected N150, 000 from the second complainant, Basirah Dhu Nurain without handing over the three-bedroom flat to either of the duo.
P.M. NEWS gathered that the complainants reported the matter to the police at Oko-Oba Division who then arrested the agent and arraigned him before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court sitting at Abule-Egba, Lagos, southwest Nigeria, where he is facing trial on a two-count charge of false pretence and stealing.
According to the prosecutor, Inspector Lugard Ahonle, the offence is punishable under Section 419 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 17, Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.
When the charge was read to him, he pleaded not guilty.
The trial Magistrate, Mr. O.A. Komolafe granted him bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
The magistrate ordered that the sureties must be gainfully employed and one of them must be a blood relation to the accused person, adding that they must show evidence of payment of tax to the Lagos State government since 2009 and present National Identity Cards to the prosecutor for verification.
He adjourned the matter till October 10, 2011 for mention.
—Ibrahim Bakare