A 42-year-old estate agent, Michael Akinremi, who allegedly defrauded three accommodation seekers of N457, 000, was on Tuesday hauled up before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

Akinremi, who resides at No. 30, Olamco Bus Stop, Agege in Lagos, is facing a six-count charge bordering on false pretences and stealing.

The accused, according to Police Prosecutor Michael Unah, collected N457, 000 from the complainants — Iheanacho Tony, Isah Alade and Agu David — with a promise to secure accommodation for them but failed to do so.

Unah told the court that the accused committed the offences on March 10 at No. 2, Shodipo St., Dopemu, Agege, a Lagos suburb.

“The accused unlawfully obtained N457, 000 from the complainants with a promise to provide them a room apartment each
but failed to deliver as promised.”

The offences violated Sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 stipulates seven years imprisonment, while Section 314 prescribes a
15-year jail term for false pretences.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In his ruling, the Magistrate, Mr A. A. Fashola, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Fashola said the sureties must be gainfully employed with an evidence of three years tax payment.

Further hearing in the case has been fixed for May 5.

(NAN)