A 64-year-old estate agent, Sunday Asibe, has been arraigned before the Ebute-Metta Chief Magistrate Court in Lagos State for allegedly defrauding a client of N13 million. Asibe, also known as John Asibe, faces three counts of fraud, obtaining by pretence, and stealing [2).
The police prosecutor, Inspector Cyriacus Osuji, alleged that Asibe committed the offences between February and May 2024 in the Igando area of Lagos State. Asibe reportedly collected N8 million and N5 million from Alhaji Suleiman Bawale under the guise of selling him a plot of land, but failed to deliver [2).
The offences contravene Sections 313, 280 (1) (a) (b) and are punishable under Sections 314, (1) (a) (b) (3) and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015. Asibe pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties [2).
The case has been adjourned until October 30, 2024. This incident highlights concerns about real estate fraud in Lagos, with 1,577 petitions filed in four years ¹. The Lagos government has initiated efforts to combat estate fraud and collaborate with real estate agents to tackle unwholesome activities ².
