Crime: Tenant Arrested for Allegedly Selling Landlord’s Property for N45m
A 36-year-old tenant, identified as Akinola Babatunde, has been remanded in custody by a Lagos Magistrate’s Court for allegedly selling his landlord’s property without authorization for the sum of N45 million.
According to the police, Babatunde was alleged to have conspired with others now on the run to sell the property located at No. 7, Fagbile Estate, Isheri Oshun, to one Ernest Dumbri Igbinedion, using forged documents to complete the transaction.
Investigations revealed that the landlord had initially accommodated Babatunde in the building to help deter suspected land grabbers from encroaching on the property. However, the scheme was exposed when the buyer, Igbinedion, mobilized workers to the site to begin development, only for the landlord to confront them, insisting that he never sold the property.
Following a petition by the property owner, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2 Command, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, ordered Babatunde’s arrest.
He was subsequently arraigned before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court sitting at Tinubu, facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, and stealing.
Police prosecutor, DSP Francis Igbinosa, informed the court that the alleged offence took place in March 2025, adding that the defendant’s actions contravened Sections 411, 314, and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Babatunde pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The presiding Chief Magistrate, A.O. Alogba, granted the defendant bail and adjourned the matter to a later date for further hearing.
Egalitarian Voice will continue to follow up on this case and provide updates.
