Operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command in Lagos have arrested two suspected land fraudsters, identified as Toafeek Adebesin and Wasiu Adesina, for allegedly defrauding a land buyer of N7 million under false pretence in Oloye Village, Erunwen, Ikorodu.
The suspects were accused of collecting the sum from one Ogochukwu Ndidi Asota, claiming ownership of three acres of land which they purportedly sold to him.
However, police investigations revealed that the land did not belong to the suspects, who allegedly diverted the funds for personal use.
Their arrest followed a petition to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, AIG Adegoke Fayoade. Acting on the directive, detectives led by SP Stanley Igbinovia tracked down and apprehended the suspects at a hideout in Lagos.
Upon the conclusion of investigations, Adebesin and Adesina were charged before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, sitting at the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, Lagos Island, on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, and stealing, offences contrary to Sections 411, 314, and 287 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.
Police prosecutor, DSP Francis Igbinosa, told the court that the alleged fraud took place in 2022 when the defendants deceitfully sold land belonging to another family to the complainant.
The fraud was exposed when Asota began development on the land and the rightful owners arrived at the site, ordered the workers to leave, and denied ever selling the property.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Presiding Magistrate Mrs D.S. Amos granted each of them bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum.
They were remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions. The case was adjourned until October 14, 2025, for mention.
