A 60-year-old landlord, Olasina Giwa, on Monday appeared before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos charged with fraud and theft of N700, 000.
The accused, who resides at No. 10, Abraham Akinola St., Onipetesi Estate, Ikeja, is facing a three-count charge of obtaining money under false pretences, breach of peace and stealing.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Kehinde Olatunde told the court that the accused committed the offences on Jan. 12 at his Ikeja residence.
He said Giwa had approached Mr Ayoola Seriki, a property developer, and both reached an agreement on the development of a property owned by Seriki.
The prosecutor explained that the agreement also provided that Seriki would collect the rent on the property for some years.
“When it was time for Seriki to start collecting the rent, the accused went behind him to collect the rent and refused to remit it into the complainant’s account.’’
The prosecutor noted that the offences contravened Sections 166 (d), 285 and 313 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Giwa, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Ruling on the bail application of the accused, the Magistrate, Mrs B. Folarin-Williams, granted the landlord bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum, one of who must be a blood relation.
She adjourned the case to March 29 for mention.
