A property agent, Olamilekan Ogunseye, 44, 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 for her and failing to provide it.
Ogunseye, whose address was not provided, is facing a two-count charge of fraud and stealing. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, ASP Simon Njue, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on Jan. 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, Mrs Blessing Zuokemefa, on the pretext of providing her with a self-contained apartment but failed to do so.
He alleged that the defendant instead converted the money to his personal use.
“All efforts made by the complainant to get a refund or the the rented apartment proved abortive,” the prosecutor said.
Njue said the offences contravened Sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Section 287 prescribes a three-year jail term for stealing, while Section 314 provides for 15 years for fraud.
The Magistrate, Miss F.R. Ogunkoyode, granted Ogunseye N500,000 bail with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case until September 9 for mention.
(The Whistler)