P.M.EXPRESS reports that estate agent John Asibe has been arraigned at the Ebute-Metta Chief Magistrate Court in Lagos State over allegations of fraud related to a land sale.
The incident occurred in the Igando area of Lagos, where Asibe reportedly obtained a total of N13 million from the complainant, Alhaji Bawale, between February and May 2024. According to police reports, Asibe informed Bawale that he had a parcel of land for sale. After negotiating the price, Bawale paid Asibe without knowing it was a scam.
Police prosecutor Inspector Cyriacus Osuji revealed that Asibe collected N8 million in February 2024 and an additional N5 million in May for the purported land purchase. When Bawale did not receive the promised land, he reported the matter to the police, leading to Asibe’s arrest and interrogation.
Upon investigation, police determined that Asibe had no land to sell and had already spent the money. He was subsequently charged with fraud, obtaining money under false pretenses, and theft, under the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.
The charges against Asibe violated several sections of the law, and he pleaded not guilty. Presiding Magistrate Feyikemi George granted him bail of N1 million, requiring two sureties with proof of livelihood and tax payments. The court also mandated that the sureties provide three months of bank statements showing a minimum balance of N1 million.
The case has been adjourned until October 30, 2024, while Asibe remains in custody at the correctional center until his bail conditions are met.