Property agent arraigned over N1.5m rent fraud

A 44-year-old property agent, Olamilekan Ogunseye, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly collecting N1.5 million from a woman to secure a self-contained apartment but failing to provide the accommodation.

Ogunseye, whose residential address was not disclosed, is facing two counts bordering on fraud and stealing. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, ASP Simon Njue, told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offences on January 27 at about 11:30 a.m. in the Oyewole area of Dopemu, Lagos.

Njue alleged that Ogunseye collected N1.5 million from the complainant, Blessing Zuokemefa, after promising to secure a self-contained apartment for her.

The prosecutor said the defendant allegedly converted the money to his personal use instead of providing the apartment.

“All efforts made by the complainant to get a refund or the rented apartment proved abortive,” Njue told the court.

The prosecutor said the alleged offences contravened Sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Section 287 provides punishment for stealing, while Section 314 prescribes a jail term for fraud.

The Magistrate, F.R. Ogunkoyode, granted Ogunseye bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case until September 9 for mention.