The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned a 50-year-old man, Adegboyega Rabiu, before the Yaba Magistrate’s Court on charges of receiving money by false pretense and stealing the sum of N25 million.

The defendant allegedly committed the crime by presenting himself as an official of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority and promising to assist one Lanre Badmus in obtaining approval for a prospective hotel construction in Ikorodu.

Lanre Badmus, who spoke to the PUNCH, expressed his frustration with the defendant’s failure to fulfill his promise despite receiving the payment 16 months ago.
Badmus said, “He told me he worked with LASPPPA and that he would help me get building approval and permit for my hotel; this is 16 months gone, and he did not even open a register.”

Police prosecutor Thomas Nurudeen informed the court that the defendant committed the offenses on August 1, 2023.

The charges against Rabiu include obtaining money by false pretense and stealing, contravening Sections 411 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State Nigeria 2015.

The charges read, “That you, Adegboyega Rabiu and others now at large on August 1, 2023, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, in the Lagos Magisterial District did commit a felony to wit: obtaining money by false pretense and thereby committed an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State Nigeria 2015. That you, Adegboyega Rabiu and others now at large on August 1, 2023, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, in the Lagos Magisterial District did steal the sum of N25 million under the pretense of getting building approval and permit for one Lanre Ayedun, a representation you knew to be false and thereby committed an offense punishable under Section 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State Nigeria 2015.”

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges, and Magistrate Patrick Nwaka granted him bail in the sum of N2 million with two responsible sureties in like sum.

The case is adjourned until January 1, 2024, for mention.