MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 52-year-old woman, Aletor Josephine, was on Thursday arraigned before the Ejigbo Magistrate Court over allegations of obtaining money under false pretences and stealing in connection with a rented apartment in Igando.
The defendant was brought before the court by the Commissioner of Police on a three-count charge bordering on fraud, stealing, and conduct likely to cause breach of the peace.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged incident occurred on April 16, 2026, in the Akesan area of Igando, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
Count I stated that Aletor Josephine dishonestly obtained the sum of Seven Hundred Thousand Naira, ₦700,000.00, from one Olubukola Fakunle with intent to defraud. The offence is said to be punishable under Section 314(3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.
Count II further alleged that on the same date, time and place, the defendant stole the total sum of ₦700,000.00, described as property of Olubukola Fakunle. This is contrary to Section 280 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.
Count III alleged that the defendant unlawfully conducted herself in a manner likely to cause the breach of peace. The prosecution claimed that she rented out a room and parlour mini flat to the complainant, knowing fully that she was not the owner of the house.
The charge sheet was presented in court by Police Officer ACP Abaniwonda Tokunbo, psc. The Investigating Police Officer listed on the document was ASP Ajilade Abmbala of Area ‘M’ Command, Idimu, Lagos.
When the charges were read to her in court, the defendant pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, ASP Simon Njue, asked the court for a date for hearing to enable the Police to prove the allegations.
The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. F.R. Ogunkoyede, granted her bail with two sureties. The sureties are to provide evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.
Following the bail ruling, the defendant was remanded in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Center pending the perfection of her bail conditions.
The complainant, Olubukola Fakunle, had earlier reported the matter to the Police, alleging that she paid ₦700,000 for accommodation based on representations made by the defendant.
Legal experts note that under Nigerian law, every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
The matter was adjourned for mention to enable the defendant to meet her bail conditions as stipulated by the Court.