A 36-year-old man, Akinola Babatunde, has been remanded in custody for allegedly selling his landlord’s property worth ₦45 million without permission in the Isheri Oshun area of Lagos State.
According to police reports, Babatunde allegedly conspired with others—who are now at large—to sell the building located at No. 7, Fagbile Estate, Isheri Oshun, to a buyer identified as Ernest Dumbri Igbinedion, using forged ownership documents to carry out the fraudulent transaction.
Investigations revealed that the landlord had allowed Babatunde to live in the house temporarily to help deter land grabbers from encroaching on the property. The deceit came to light when the unsuspecting buyer reportedly moved workers to the site to begin development, only for the property owner to confront them, insisting he never sold the house.
Following a formal complaint from the landlord, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2 Command, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, ordered the suspect’s arrest.
Babatunde was arraigned before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court sitting at Tinubu, where he faced a three-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, and stealing.
Police prosecutor, DSP Francis Igbinosa, told the court that the offence occurred in March 2025, and violated Sections 411, 314, and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Presiding Magistrate A.O. Alogba granted Babatunde bail in the sum of an undisclosed amount and adjourned the case to a later date for continuation of trial.