Two estate agents, Adeola Ojo, 49, and Abiodun Akinlabi, 48, were on Wednesday arraigned before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan for allegedly defrauding several accommodation seekers of N7.6m.
The defendants, whose residential addresses were not stated, are facing three counts bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretences, and stealing, preferred against them by the police.
The police prosecutor, Inspector Olagoke Adegbenro, told the court that the alleged offences were committed in February 2025 at the Iwo Road area of Ibadan.
Adegbenro told the court that the defendants fraudulently collected N5.95m from one Oluwaseun Lawal under the guise of renting him a house.
He further alleged that they obtained N700,000 from one Mrs Victoria Omotayo, promising to secure a two-bedroom flat for her, and another N980,000 from Sanusi Adeniyi and several others for the same purpose.
According to the prosecutor, the agents failed to fulfil their promises and instead converted the funds for personal use.
The offences committed contravened Sections 516, 419, and 390(9) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
However, the duo pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Consequently, Magistrate Olasinmibo Sanusi-Zubair granted the defendants bail in the sum of N1m, each with two sureties, in like sum.
The case was adjourned until July 29 for hearing.
Punch.