Land Speculator Remanded In Prison

The police at Ogombo Police Division, Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria, have arraigned a notorious land speculator before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a three-count charge of obtaining money under false pretence.

The accused, Shefiu Olatunji Bakare, according to the police was arrested following a complaint lodged by Linus Mbiagwu that he was defrauded of N7,000,000 by the accused on the pretence of selling 70 plots of land to him, but failed to provide the land and refused to refund the money.

During interrogation, the accused confessed to the crime which is punishable under Sections 516, 419 and 390(90) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 17, Vol. 11, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

Count 2 reads: “That you, Shefiu Olatunji Bakare and others now at large on or before 22 December, 2006 at Ogombo village via Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, in the Lagos Magisterial District with intent to defraud, did collect the sum of N7m from Mr. Linus Mbiagwu under false pretence of selling 70 plots of land to him.”

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and the presiding magistrate granted him bail in the sum of N2 million with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the matter till 25 April, 2011.

The accused was ordered to be remanded in prison custody when he could not perfect the bail conditions.

—Paul Iyoghojie