Estate Agent Docked For Defrauding Client Of N115,000

An Estate developer,
Fatai Olaribigbe, was last Thursday charged before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for allegedly defrauding an accommodation seeker of N115,000.
Olaribigbe, 53, who lives at No. 8/10, Akasoro St., Lagos Island, is facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and obtaining under false pretences.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Francesca Okere, told the court that the accused committed the offences on December 2, 2013 at about 10: 00 a.m. at No. 96, Dosunmu St., Lagos Island.
Okere said that Olaribigbe collected the sum of N115, 000 from one Mr Michael Olaniran, with a promise to secure a one-room apartment for him.
“The accused took Olaniran to a building and told him it was owned by his brother.
“The accused pointed to a vacant room and told the complainant that it would be renovated and made ready, before the end of the month.
“Out of curiosity, Olaniran went back to the house and met people painting it and when asked if it was because of him, another owner showed up as the rightful tenant,” he said.
Okere said that the offences contravened Sections 409, 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Mrs A.T. Omoyele granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the matter till February 10, for continuation of hearing.