Lagos woman allegedly dupes businessman in N20M farm scam, lands in court

By Paul Iyoghojie

Operatives of the Force Investigation Department (FID), Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos, have arrested Ogunbo Oyindamola, a suspected fake farm investor, for allegedly defrauding a businessman, Michael Ayodeji, of N20 million under false pretences.

Oyindamola was charged before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court for the offence.

According to police reports, Oyindamola introduced herself to Ayodeji as a farm investor and promised to use the money to establish a farm settlement on his behalf.

However, the police alleged that Oyindamola never intended to follow through on the deal and fled with the money after collecting it.

Following the alleged scam, Ayodeji petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), who assigned the case to a specialised team at the Force Investigation Department in Lagos.

The police arrested Oyindamola at a hideout in Lagos and charged her at the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court sitting at the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, Lagos Island, on five counts, including obtaining money under false pretences and stealing.

Prosecuting counsel, Inspector Gbenga Salami, told the court that the offence occurred between October 2021 and 2022 on Lagos Island. He explained that Oyindamola falsely claimed to be a farmer, collected N20 million from Ayodeji, and then absconded without fulfilling her promise.

Salami also informed the court that Oyindamola, along with her accomplice, Oyemakinde Ayokunle, attempted to repay the money by issuing a N20 million cheque to Ayodeji.

However, when Ayodeji presented the cheque at the bank, it was dishonoured due to insufficient funds in the account.

The defendant was charged under sections 411, 287, 314(a)(b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, and the Cheques Offences Act Cap D11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004.

Oyindamola pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Her counsel, N.G. Lawal, urged the court to grant her bail under lenient terms, assuring that she would not jump bail if granted.

Chief Magistrate M.A. Sonuga granted Oyindamola bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned until October 23, 2024, for mention, and Oyindamola was ordered to be remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Facility until her bail conditions are met.