Fake landlord swindles Anglican Church of N2.5m in Lagos scam

By Paul Iyoghojie

A 68-year-old man, Iyewunmi Idonije, has been remanded in custody by the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly defrauding members of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Mushin of N2.5 million.

The suspect, who posed as a landlord, was arrested by operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command following a petition to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Adegoke Fayoade.

According to police reports, Idonije falsely presented himself as the owner of a three-bedroom flat located at 8 Adekitan Street, Mushin.

He allegedly convinced church members to pay N2 million as part payment for renting the property to the church’s vicar, with the funds intended for apartment renovations.

The church’s representative, Mr. Obialor Bartholomew, made the payment, but Idonije absconded with the money.

When church members followed up, they were shocked to discover that the building in question had been demolished.

Local residents reportedly confirmed that Idonije was not the landlord of the property. Following the petition, police tracked and arrested Idonije at a hideout in Lagos.

Idonije faced a two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretences and stealing, offences punishable under Sections 314 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The incident allegedly occurred in April 2025, as presented by the police prosecuting counsel, Reuben Solomon, in case P/32/2025 at the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, Lagos Island.

The defendant pleaded not guilty. The presiding magistrate granted him bail of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum but ordered his detention at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility pending fulfillment of the bail conditions.

The case has been adjourned to August 1, 2025, for further mention.