Ajah welder remanded over alleged N3m roller shutter gate fraud

By Paul Iyoghojie

A 48-year-old welder, Aree Mohammed Isa, has been remanded in custody by an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly defrauding the Managing Director of ACE Finishing Company Limited of N3 million under false pretence.

Isa was arrested by operatives of the Maroko Police Division in Lekki and arraigned before the court on a one-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence.

According to the police, the defendant allegedly collected the sum from the complainant with a promise to fabricate and install a roller shutter gate at the complainant’s residence located on Durosimi Etti Drive, Maroko, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Police alleged that after receiving the payment, the defendant failed to deliver the gate as agreed, switched off his phone lines and went into hiding.

Following the development, the complainant reportedly lodged a complaint at the Maroko Police Division, prompting the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Awe Kayode, to direct a team of detectives to track down the suspect.

The police team subsequently traced Isa to a hideout in Lekki, where he was arrested.

During proceedings, police prosecutor Haruna Magaji told the court that the alleged offence was committed on March 14, 2026, at Millennium Home Estate, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Magaji informed the court that the defendant introduced himself as a professional welder and convinced the complainant to part with N3 million for the fabrication and installation of the roller shutter gate.

He said the complainant later discovered that the defendant had allegedly absconded after collecting the money.

According to the prosecutor, the offence contravenes Section 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendant, who resides at Greenville Estate, Ajah, Lagos, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Magistrate A.O. Alogba granted him bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties in like sum.

The court, however, ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the perfection of his bail conditions and adjourned the matter for further hearing.