Estate agent in court over alleged N850,000 accommodation fraud

An estate agent, Anthony Attah, who allegedly obtained the sum of N850,000 from an accommodation seeker under false pretences, was, on Wednesday, brought before an Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

Attah, 48, whose residential address was not provided, is standing trial on a two-count charge of conversion and fraud.

The Prosecutor, ASP Benedict Aigbokhan, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on July 13 and Sept. 5 at No. 111, Federal Junction, opposite Zenith bank, Ipaja road, Lagos.

He said that the defendant fraudulently obtained the sum of N850,000 from an accommodation seeker, one Mr Balogun Muheez, for the rent of a two-bedroom apartment at No. 6B, Ogundele St., Ayobo, Lagos.

The prosecutor said that the defendant obtained the said money from the complainant but rented the same apartment to another person.

He further said that the defendant converted the money to his personal use.

According to Aigbokhan, the offences contravene Sections 280 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Magistrate, Miss K.A. Ariyo, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N300,000, with two sureties in like sum.

She said that the sureties must be gainfully employed and must show evidence of tax payments to the Lagos Government.

Ariyo, thereafter, adjourned the case till Dec. 20 for mention.