Tenant, 36, Arraigned For Selling Landlord’s House With Forged Documents

PAUL IYOGHOJIE

A 36-year-old tenant, Akinola Babatunde, has been arrested and charged in Lagos State for allegedly selling his landlord’s house for N45m with forged documents to one Ernest Dumbri Igbinedion and bolting away with the money. 

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened at 7, Fagbile Estate, Isheri Oshun, where the house is located.

According to the Police, the suspect, Babatunde, allegedly connived with others still at large to sell the property with alleged forged documents.
The landlord was said to have initially accommodated the suspect in the building to deter suspected property grabbers.

However, the alleged fraud came to light when Igbinedion moved workers to the site to begin renovation work only for the landlord to confront them, insisting he never authorised the sale.

Thus, the landlord wrote a petition to the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command. AIG Adegoke Fayoade ordered Babatunde’s arrest for interrogation over his alleged conduct.

After interrogation, the Police found him culpable and arraigned him before the Igbosere Magistrate Court sitting at Tinubu Magistrate Court on a three-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, and stealing.

The  prosecutor, DSP Francis Igbinosa, told the court that the offence occurred in March 2025, at Fagbile Estate, Isheri Oshun, which contravened Sections 411, 314, and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.”

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The Presiding Chief Magistrate, A.O. Alogba, granted him bail with sureties, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment while addresses will be verified by the Court.

The matter was adjourned for hearing while the defendant was remanded in custody at the correctional center pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.