A 36-year-old man, Akinola Babatunde, has been remanded by a Lagos Magistrate’s Court for allegedly selling his landlord’s property worth ₦45 million without authorization.
According to police investigations, Babatunde reportedly conspired with some accomplices who are still at large to fraudulently sell the property located at No. 7, Fagbile Estate, Isheri Oshun, to one Ernest Dumbri Igbinedion using forged documents.
Sources revealed that the landlord had initially allowed Babatunde to live in the building to help deter suspected land grabbers in the area. However, the alleged crime came to light when Igbinedion brought workers to the site to commence construction, prompting the landlord to raise an alarm after discovering that the property had been “sold” without his knowledge or consent.
Following a petition by the complainant, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 2 Command, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, ordered Babatunde’s arrest.
He was subsequently arraigned before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, sitting at the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, on a three-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, and stealing.
Police prosecutor, DSP Francis Igbinosa, told the court that the offence was committed in March 2025 at Fagbile Estate, Isheri Oshun. He said the alleged actions violated Sections 411, 314, and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Babatunde, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Chief Magistrate A. O. Alogba granted him bail and adjourned the matter to a later date for further hearing.
