Estate agent docked for alleged fraud

A 42-year-old real estate agent, Ramoni Azeez, has been arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ikorodu, Lagos State, for allegedly obtaining N301,000 to secure the same apartment for five persons.

Azeez, who is facing a five-count charge bothering on stealing, was alleged to have separately obtained the money from five persons at different times and dates with a promise to secure each of them the same one-room apartment at the Odonla Area of Ikorodu.

The prosecutor, Corporal Kemi Adeniran, told the court that Azeez committed the offence in the months of February, May, and August this year in Ikorodu.

“On August 27 at Odonla area of Ikorodu, the accused collected the sum of N120,000 from one Edward Aladenusi under the pretext of securing a one-room self-contained apartment from him, which he failed to do,” the prosecutor said.

She added: “Earlier in May 2015, the accused obtained N45,000 and N30,000 respectively from two other persons; Abel Yakubu and Morgan Moses, under the pretext of securing them a one-room apartment.

“Before that time he had collected another N70,000 and N30,000 from one Ronke Jolomi and Olufemi Joshua in February, 2015, but failed to secure the one-room apartment for them.”

The fifth count on the charge sheet states: “That you, Ramoni Azeez, on different dates and times, did steal a total of N301,000 only, property of Edward Aladenusi, Abel Yakubu, Morgan Moses, Ronke Jolomi and Olufemi Joshua.”

The prosecutor told the court that the offences contravened Sections 312 and 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011.

However, Azeez denied the charges and was granted bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in the like sum.

The Magistrate, Mrs. A. Oshodi-Makanju, adjourned the case till October 29.