Estate agent docked for allegedly duping client of N150,000

A 40-year-old Estate agent, Obafemi Otunba, on Friday appeared before an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court for allegedly duping an accommodation seeker of N150,000.

The police charged Otunba, resident of Ogunmade Street, Oshogun Alapere, Lagos, with fraud and stealing.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Insp. Sunday Bassey, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on July 20, at No. 1, Omilani St., Off Ogunmade St., Oshogun Alapere, Lagos.

Bassey said that defendant obtained the sum of N150,000 from the complainant, Blessing James, on the pretence of letting out a room self-contain to the complainant.

He said the defendant who failed to lease out the apartment to the complainant, converted the money to his personal use.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.Section 287 prescribes three years’ jail term for stealing, while Section 314 attracts 15 years for obtaining under false pretences.

The Magistrate, Mrs. M.O. Tanimola, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.

Tanimola said the surety must be gainfully employed and show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State government.

She adjourned the case until Sept. 12, for mention.