The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has re-arraigned a 73-year-old visually-impaired man, Murtala Adebayo, before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos Special Offences Court, Ikeja, over allegations of fraud amounting to N19 million.
Adebayo, who was previously on trial before Justice Mojisola Dada, pleaded not guilty to a three charge of obtaining money under false pretense.
According to the prosecution, between 2015 and 2019,Adebayo allegedly defrauded Mr. Gafar Ademolake by collecting, N4.5 million for three plots of land in Ogombo, Ajah, Lagos, N5.5 million for 18 plots in Ayogbemi Village, Ibeju-Lekki, Two Toyota Camry cars and a Honda Accord, all valued at N9 million
The EFCC claims the transactions were fraudulent, as Adebayo allegedly had no legal right to sell the properties.
Adebayo’s lawyer, Bamidele Ogundele,
requested the court to maintain the bail conditions previously granted by Justice Dada.
Although prosecuting counsel Sa’adatu Yabo did not oppose the request, she raised concerns about the authenticity of the documents used to secure the original bail.
After reviewing the bail bond, Justice Oshodi upheld the existing bail conditions but ruled that the surety must enroll in the Surety Registration Management System.
The case has been adjourned to March 7, 2025, for trial, as the EFCC prepares to present its evidence against the accused.
