Estate Agent Arraigned for Duping Accommodation Seekers

An estate agent, Adegelu Adekoya, who allegedly obtained the sum of N1,740,000 from house seekers under the pretext of providing them accommodation has been arraigned before a Lagos State Magistrates’ Court sitting at Ajah.

Adekoya, 50, is facing four counts bordering on conspiracy, fraud, obtaining by false pretences, willful damage and stealing, charges preferred against him by the police.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Chinedu Njoku, told the court that the defendant and one other at large committed the offences.

He said the incident happened between June 2021 and March 2022 on Afui Ogunlana Street, Olive Garden Estate, Ajah.

Njoku said the defendant, with intent to defraud, “unlawfully and fraudulently obtained the sum of N1,740,000, from accommodation seekers, including one Aishat Emokpaise, Victor Okemutete and four others, under the false pretence of providing accommodation for them.”

The defendant was said to have used the property he purchased for the landlady, Theresa Osawaru-Osarigharo, to perpetrate the fraud.

The prosecutor also accused Adekoya of stealing and willfully damaging a three-bedroom bungalow property of Osarigharo.

Njoku said the items that were stolen by the defendant were a pumping machine, valued at N40,000; and a prepaid meter, valued at N190,000.

According to him, the offences are punishable under sections 314, 287 and 350 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Magistrate, O. M. Daramola, granted him bail in the sum of N200,000, with two responsible sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned till January 25, 2023, for mention.