3 Men Arraigned At Ogba Court Over Alleged ₦11.4m Toyota Camry Fraud

MICHAEL AKINOLA

Three men have been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba over allegations of conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, and theft involving ₦11.4 million in a vehicle transaction allegedly committed in Yaba.

The defendants are John Disu Zinsu, 43 years; Koleoso Olamide, 45 years; and Oyinlola Saheed, 37 years. They appeared before the Ogba Magisterial District on a three-count charge filed by the Commissioner of Police.

Count 1 alleged that John Disu Zinsu, Koleoso Olamide, Oyinlola Saheed and others now at large allegedly conspired among themselves to commit felony. Police said the alleged conspiracy to obtain money under false pretence was allegedly committed within the Yaba Magisterial District, an offence contrary to Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Count 2 alleged that the three defendants and others still at large allegedly obtained the sum of ₦11,400,000 from one Augustine Idiahi. The prosecution said the money was allegedly collected under the pretense of selling a grey 2013 Toyota Camry Sedan to the complainant in Yaba.

According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly knew the presentation was false. Police alleged that after collecting the ₦11.4 million in Yaba, the defendants allegedly failed to deliver the Toyota Camry 2013 model and also allegedly refused to refund the money to the buyer.

Count 3 alleged that John Disu Zinsu, Koleoso Olamide, Oyinlola Saheed and others still at large allegedly stole the sum of ₦11,400,000, property of Augustine Idiahi. The prosecution said the defendants allegedly converted the money to their personal use.

The prosecution told the court that the alleged obtaining of money under false pretence is punishable under Section 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. The alleged stealing offence was said to be contrary to Section 280 and punishable under Section 287 of the same law.

Court records showed the defendants were arraigned on 13th May, 2026, before the Ogba Magistrate Court. They all pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge before the Magistrate during proceedings. The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ihkayere, asked the court to give a date for trial to enable the police to provide evidence.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mr. L.A. Owolabi, granted bail to each defendant in the sum of ₦500,000 with two sureties in like sum. The court directed that the sureties must be reliable and reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

The Magistrate adjourned the matter to 30th June, 2026 for mention. The prosecution was directed to provide more evidence and witnesses to prove the allegations against the defendants.

The Lagos State Police Command has warned members of the public to be cautious when transacting vehicle deals in Yaba and other areas. The Command said buyers should verify documents and avoid paying full money before inspection and transfer of ownership.

Legal experts noted that the defendants are presumed innocent until the court finds them guilty. The prosecution has the burden to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt before the court.