Justice I.O. Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has sentenced Abodurin Gerald Abozo to eight years in prison for a land fraud involving ₦62 million. Abozo, who operated under the name S.G.B. & A Property Lines Company, was found guilty of obtaining money under false pretenses and stealing. The case dates back to 2013 when Abozo convinced Engineer Samuel Segher to pay ₦62 million for two plots of land in Chevy Estate Ojomu Chieftaincy Family Land, Lagos. Abozo falsely claimed to have the property for sale, knowing the representation was false.
Abozo was charged with obtaining ₦62 million from Segher by fraudulent means, posing as the seller of land. He was also charged with stealing the same sum by dishonestly converting the funds for his personal use. Abozo pleaded not guilty to the charges, leading to a full trial. The prosecution, led by counsel M.S. Owede, presented two witnesses and several documents, including Abozo’s extra-judicial statements, which were admitted as evidence.
Justice Ijelu sentenced Abozo to seven years imprisonment for the fraudulent transaction and one year imprisonment for stealing the funds. There was no option of a fine, and Abozo was ordered to reimburse the full ₦62 million to Engineer Samuel Segher. Abozo’s conviction follows his arrest for fraudulently obtaining the money with no intention of delivering the land or returning the payment. Despite claims of ownership, he never provided the land nor refunded the amount. The Lagos State High Court continues to underscore the state’s commitment to addressing fraudulent land deals that disrupt individuals’ lives and financial stability.
