Music Artiste, Joshua Kputu Sent To Prison For Allegedly Stealing N110m Rent
MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 50-year old Music Artiste, Joshua Terngu Kputu, has been arrested and charged for conspiracy and stealing property rent worth N110m belonging to Subuola family in Lagos State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened at Iya Oloye Crescent, Idiroko area of Lagos, where Kputu reportedly took possession of the said property and turned to the new landlord.
The suspect, Kputu was alleged to have intimidated the Subuola family, chased them away from their property and collected over N110m rent as the new landlord, warned them not to come and demand for the accumulated rent arrears on the said property.
To prove that he actually meant the alleged threat, when a woman among the members of the family, Adebayo Doherty Subuola, went to the place and demanded for the accumulated rent, Kputu allegedly arranged with some hoodlums, went to her residence and destroyed her property worth about N2m and warned her never to demand for the accumulated rent arrears on the family property.
The matter was reported to the Police at the Lagos State Command. Kputu was arrested and detained for interrogation over his alleged conduct, threat and malicious damage.
After rounds of interrogation, the Police found him culpable for criminal diversion, threat and and stealing of the the money accruing from rent on the said property.
He was consequently charged before the Yaba Magistrate Court for the alleged conduct, which attracts several years of imprisonment.
However, he pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned.
The prosecutor, Supol Thomas Nurudeen, asked the Court to give a date for hearing since he pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove that he actually committed the alleged offence.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mr. Patrick Nwaka, granted him bail in the sum of N5m with four sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.
The defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Centre pending when he will perfect his bail conditions while the matter was adjourned 15th September, 2023, for mention.