Property Speculator Remanded For Fraud

Operatives of the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit, Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID Annex, Lagos, have arraigned a man, Joseph Aderinto, 51 before the Igbosere Magistrates’ Court on a three-count charge of obtaining money under false pretence.

The police stated in charge suit D/5/2012 that the accused was arrested following a written complaint by Dr. Veronica Akuote that Joseph collected N8m from her on the promise to sell his house to her, knowing fully well that the house belong to Spring Bank Plc.

She stated further that all her efforts to collect the moey back from him since last year proved abortive.

After investigation, Joseph was charge to court for stealing, an offence the prosecutor, ASP Julius Oyakhilome, claimed contravened sections 312 (1), 419 and 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2012.

One of the charges read: “That you, Joseph Aderinto in June 2011 at 25, School Road, Agege, Lagos by fraudulent misrepresentation obtained N8m from Dr. Veronica Akuote on the promise of selling your house to her and knowing fully well that the house belongs to Spring Bank Plc.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and the presiding magistrate, Mrs. A.F.O Potoku admitted him on bail in the sum of N5m with two sureties who must show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State government.

She adjourned the matter to 12 March, 2012 for mention.

The accused was moved to Ikoyi prison when he could not perfect the bail conditions in good time.

—Paul Iyoghojie