Managing Director arraigned over alleged N19.3M rent fraud in Ikoyi

By Paul Iyoghojie

A 65-year-old tenant in Ikoyi, Lagos, and Managing Director of Dotam Impact Resources Limited, Mr. Eric Okafor, has been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court for allegedly issuing dud cheques worth ₦19,307,000 to his landlord, Provast Integrated Facilities Management, as payment for rent arrears.

Okafor was arrested by operatives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit, Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos, following a petition filed by the landlord.

According to the police, the defendant allegedly issued two cheques-a ₦10 million cheque and another valued at ₦9,307,000, both drawn on Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB).

However, when presented for payment, the cheques were dishonoured due to insufficient funds in his account.

The matter was referred to Inspector Odion Olfoghe and his team for investigation, after which Okafor, who resides at 16, MacDonald Road, Ikoyi, was charged before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, sitting at Tinubu.

At the hearing, Police Prosecuting Counsel, Inspector Cyriacus Osuji, told the court that the offence was committed in Lagos in 2022.

He alleged that Okafor knowingly issued the two cheques despite being aware that his account lacked the funds to cover them.

“The landlord was shocked when the bank dishonoured the cheques due to lack of funds,” Osuji told the court.

He further stated that the offence contravened Section 321 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

Okafor, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Magistrate Mrs. Oseni Wahab granted him bail and adjourned the case for further hearing.