Land Agent, 43, Docked Over Alleged N10m Land Fraud

A 43-year-old land agent, Ismail Owolabi, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, for allegedly defrauding a prospective land buyer of ₦10 million.

Owolabi, who has no fixed address, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, fraud, and stealing. He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Police prosecutor, Cpl. Akeem Akinloye, told the court that the defendant and others still at large conspired to commit the offence in July 2022.

Akinloye alleged that Owolabi fraudulently obtained ₦10 million from Moshood Opaleye, under the pretense of selling him 10 acres of land at Oloka village, Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State.

He said the defendant converted the money to his personal use, adding that the alleged offence took place at Adeoyo area, Ring Road, Ibadan.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravene Sections 383, and are punishable under Sections 390, 419, and 516of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦2.5 million with two sureties in like sum.

She ordered that one of the sureties must own a landed property with a survey plan, while the other must be a blood relation of the defendant.

The case was adjourned until November 27 for further hearing.