Business
Estate Agent Arraigned For N1.2m Fraud
An estate agent in Lagos was last week arraigned in court for allegedly obtaining N1.24 million under the pretext of providing an apartment for two accommodation seekers in Lagos.
The agent, Francisca Oyalana (30) was arraigned and her suspected accomplice Damilola Wealth (37) are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing at a Yaba Magistrate’s Court.
The Prosecutor, ASP Felix Ifijen told the court that Oyalana had on March 11 at 10.00am collected N800,000 from one Mrs Chika Osogwu and another N475,000 from Mrs Eucheria Owoh, to provide accommodation for them.
He said the offences were committed at No 9 Isreal Oyekan street in Shomolu.
“The accused collected N800,000 from Osogwu and N475,000 from Owoh totaling N1.24 million, under the guise of providing them accommodation.
Oyalana disappeared after collecting the money and also failed to fulfil her part of the contract. On March 19th, Oyalana was however, apprehended following a tip-off that she was lodging at Chapter Hotel (Ewest House) belonging to Damilola Wealth, located at No 46 Bolaji Omupo Street Palm-Grove,” Ifijen said.
He said the offence contravened Sections 96,107,312 and 409 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State and could each be imprisoned for up to 15 years on conviction.
The Magistrate, Philip Ojo granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties each in like sum.
Both the estate agent and the hotelier pleaded not guilty to the charge and the case was adjourned to April 24 for trial.