Reverend, 85, others docked over Iyalode Tinubu’s property

Paul Iyoghojie

Operatives of the X-Squad of the Federal Investigation Department, FCID, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos, western Nigeria, have arrested an 85-year-old man, Emmanuel Olatoye Shodipe, who claimed be a Reverend Father, and two others, for allegedly conspiring with others at large to forge a Power of Attorney as the trustees of the estate of Madam Iyalode Tinubu at Mushin area of Lagos, Western Nigeria.

Other suspects arrested in connection with the alleged crime include Tajudeen Olalekan Ademoye Tinubu, 55, and Omotayo Oyindamola, 54.

After investigation, the suspects were arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ court, Lagos Island, on a four-count charge of felony to wit, forgery, giving false information to the police against Akindele Afolabi and Alhaji Adio Kazeem.

Police prosecutor, ASP Henry Obiazi, informed the court in charge No C/14/2016 that the accused persons committed the alleged offence in August, 2014 at Mushin, Lagos.

Obiazi told the Court presided over by Magistrate Mr B. A. Shonuga that the accused persons forged a Power of Attorney of the estate of Madam Iyalode Tinubu with intent to deceive and defraud members of the public that they are the trustees of the estate, a claim Obiazi said the accused persons knew to be false.

Obiazi further told the court that to actualize their plan, the accused persons gave the police at the Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos a false information against Akindele Afolabi, the original trustee of the estate, and Alhaji Adio Kazeem, knowing full well that they were innocent of the allegations.

Obiazi said the offences the accused persons committed are punishable under sections 409,363(3) 94 and 378(1) of the criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused persons however denied the police allegations in the open court when the charges were read to them.

Their Counsel, Barr. Oluwanisola Oyenekan, N.G. Lawani and D.O. Abe urged the Court to admit the defendants to bail on liberal terms with a promise that they will not jump bail.

Magistrate Shonuga admitted Tajudeen Tinubu and Omotayo Oyindamola to bail in the sum of N200,000 each with one surety each in like sum, and the 85-year-old Shodipe granted bail on self-recognition due to his age.

Shonuga adjourned the case till 12 April for mention.