Estate agent, 62, faces property conversion charge

A 62-year-old estate agent, Waleola Olugbenga, on Tuesday appeared before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly converting a client’s property to his personal use.

The defendant, whose residential address was not given, was arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery and conversion of property.

Olugbenga, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Prosecutor, Insp Ingobo Emby, told the court that the defendant committed the offences sometime in 2005, at No. 64/66, Ekoro Road, Abule Egba, Lagos.

Emby told the court that the defendant converted to his personal use, two plots of land entrusted to him by the owner, one Mr Shafiu Ewunmi.

“Olugbenga constructed two shops on the land, rented the shops out as if he is the owner of the land and converted the proceeds from the rent to his personal use.

“He also presented land survey, land agreement, receipt, building plan purported to originate from Lagos State Land and Survey to the Police during investigation.

“But the documents were found to be forged,’’ Emby told the court.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravene sections 52, 53, 334 (1), 363 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The Magistrate, Mrs O. A. Komolafe granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Komolafe ordered that the sureties must show evidence of three years tax payments to the Lagos State Government and show their National Identity cards to the court’s registrar.

She adjourned the case until Sept. 9 for mention.