Lagos Man, 51, Arraigned Over Alleged N33m Rent Fraud In Ikeja

Ikomi was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence and stealing. The charges were read to him in court on Monday. He pleaded not guilty to all the counts. The case is Charge No. …/2026, Commissioner of Police vs Eyituoyo Ikomi. The matter was heard before Magistrate Mrs. O. Kusanu. The prosecutor in the case is SP Philip Adegbemuji.

Prosecuting, SP Adegbemuji told the court that the defendant and others still at large allegedly committed the offences on March 11, 2026, at about 10:00 a.m. at No. 3, Babatola Close, Off Obafemi Awolowo Road, Ikeja, Lagos. On Count One, the prosecution alleged that the defendant and others at large conspired among themselves to commit felony, to wit: obtaining by false pretence and stealing. The offence, according to the charge, is punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.

On Count Two, the prosecution alleged that the defendant, with intent to defraud, fraudulently obtained the sum of Thirty-Three Million Naira, N33,000,000, from one Mr. Edeh Chukwuebuka Success. The prosecution alleged that the money was obtained under the false pretence of leasing a four-bedroom duplex apartment which the defendant was occupying with his family to the complainant, with a lease agreement of five years. It was further alleged that after the complainant deposited the money into accounts provided to him, the defendant allegedly refused to allow him to take possession of the house.

The prosecution also alleged that the proceeds were used to procure Canadian Visa for the defendant and his family, a representation the prosecution said the defendant knew to be false. The offence is contrary to Section 314 (1) (a) (b) and punishable under Section 314 (3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.

On Count Three, the prosecution alleged that the defendant dishonestly stole the sum of N33,000,000, property of Mr. Edeh Chukwuebuka Success. The offence is contrary to Section 280 (1) (a) (b) and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.

After the charges were read, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all three counts. His counsel applied for bail on his behalf, urging the court to grant him bail in liberal terms. Magistrate Kusanu granted the defendant bail with two sureties.

The court ordered that the two sureties must show evidence of means of livelihood and evidence of tax payment. The magistrate further ordered that the defendant be remanded in the correctional centre at Kirikiri Town, pending the perfection of his bail conditions. The matter was adjourned for further hearing.

It is important to note that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. The charges against him are allegations by the prosecution. The court has not made any finding of guilt against him. The case will continue on the adjourned date, when the prosecution is expected to open its case and call witnesses. http://P.M.EXPRESS will bring you updates as the trial progresses.