Lagos estate agent arraigned over N36m fraud

On Friday, Nonso Ibekwe, a 48-year-old estate agent, appeared before the Ebute-Metta Magistrate Court in Lagos State, charged with defrauding a client, Samuel Ugbo, of N36 million by falsely promising to sell him land.

Ibekwe, who allegedly committed the offenses in 2022, faces three counts including conspiracy, obtaining by false pretenses, and theft. The alleged fraud occurred at Plot 705, Festac Phase 2, in the Abule Ado area.

The prosecution claims that Ibekwe, along with accomplices who are currently at large, deceived Ugbo into paying N36 million for six plots of land. The payment was made under the false belief that the land was available for purchase. It was later revealed that the transaction was fraudulent, leading to the charges against Ibekwe.

The charges violate Sections 325, 314 (1), (2), (3), and 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. Ibekwe has pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Waliu Salami granted bail to Ibekwe in the amount of N1 million, requiring two sureties with matching sums. The sureties must provide proof of tax payment to the Lagos State Government and have their addresses verified.

The case is scheduled to resume on September 18, 2024, for a mention.