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EFCC Charges Lagos Resident with N200 Million Fraud After Promising HIV Cure

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced its case against alleged serial fraudster Abayomi Kamaldeen Alaka. EFCC investigator Odofin Adekunle Christopher was called as the first prosecution witness in the case before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos.

Alaka was arraigned on June 25th, 2024, facing three charges related to stealing, retaining, and selling property subject to interim forfeiture. The charges stem from an alleged incident in July 2021 where Alaka is accused of illegally selling a newly renovated building located at No. 22, PSSDS Road, Magodo Phase 2, Lagos.

The charges, which violate Section 32(1) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004, allege that Alaka sold the property without proper authorization.

The building in question was noted was still a subject of forfeiture vide a valid court order.

Another of the counts read that : "Abayomi Kamaldeen Alaka, sometime in July, 2021, at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court at Lagos, did obtain and retain the total sum of N200,000,000.00 (Two Hundred Million Naira) only from the fraudulent sales of a newly renovated stores building situated at No. 22, PSSDS Road, Magodo Phase 2, Magodo Lagos, which you knew to be subject of forfeiture to the Federal Government of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence".

The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to him.

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, N. K. Ukoha, had asked the court for a trial date and that the accused be remanded at a correctional facility.

Counsel to defendant, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, earlier informed the court of the bail application of his client.

Consequently, Justice Dada had adjourned the matter till June 26, 2024 for the commencement of trial.

It was also alleged that In the course of investigating the case, the proceeds of fraud were reasonably traced to five (5) properties of the defendant.

They are: a newly renovated storey building with boys’ quarters situated at No. 22, PSSDC Road, Magodo Phase 2, Magodo Estate, Lagos; an uncompleted block of flats located at No.2, Adeneye Street, Oke-Oriya, Ikorodu, Lagos; an uncompleted Event Centre named Alaka Event Centre located at No.2, Adeneye Street, Oke-Oriya, Ikorodu, Lagos; a newly renovated filling station named Alaka Oil and Gas located at No.2, Adeneye Street, Oke-Oriya, Ikorodu, Lagos, and a vast land located at Ashipa Town, Shiun, Abeokuta, Ogun State, which is used as a shrine to deceive the complainant to part with her hard-earned resources".

Investigations revealed that the defendant and two others defrauded one Julieth Bright of over N200million on the pretext that they could cure her of HIV disease.

He said the Commission, thereafter, approached the FHC Abuja, seeking temporary forfeiture of the properties.

He said: “Based on the Commission’s application, Justice A. I. Chikere of the FHC Abuja, on June 28, 2021, ordered the interim forfeiture of the five properties, pending the conclusion of the investigation.

"While the investigation was still going on, the Commission received intelligence that the property at No. 22 PSSD, Magodo, Lagos State had been sold by the defendant, despite the court order and ongoing investigation.

"In view of this, the Commission invited the defendant on January 10, 2022, and cautioned him in the presence of his lawyer, Ali Apanisile.

“The cautionary word was interpreted to him and he made a statement through his lawyer.

"In that statement, he never denied owing this property; he never denied selling the property and he never denied the existing court order on the same property.”

The witness further told the court that during the investigation, one Olajide Kabiru Alayo was invited on March 18, 2024, to the Commission in Lagos, where he made statements in respect of the defendant regarding the sales of the property.

The witness further told the court that “Olajide Kabiru Alayo is Managing Director of OOP Properties Finance. He bought the same property for his agent, Eniola Olowoshile. While Alayo was in the Commission, he submitted a letter of offer dated July 19, 2021, to the Commission from the defendant.

"He also brought the Deed of Assignment between the defendant and his client duly signed by the defendant.

“In addition, he brought twelve (12) photocopies of bank drafts: ten (10) UBA Bank drafts of N10million on each of them dated July 21, 2021; one (1) Zenith Bank draft of N10 million dated July 21, 2021 and one (1) Access Bank draft dated July 22, 2021. The person who received these bank drafts from Olajide Kabiru was Giwa Rasheed Babajide".

It was noted that the Commission, therefore, sent letters to UBA to furnish it with the account details of OOP Properties Finance.

"The investigation revealed that Olajide Kabiru Alayo is the sole signatory to this account.

“On July 22, 2021, a total of seventeen (17) banker cheques were raised from that account totalling N170 million in favour of Alaka Oil and Gas owned by the defendant.

The prosecution presented several documents to the witness for identification, including a June 28, 2021 court order, the defendant’s statements, Alayo’s statement, the Deed of Assignment, copies of bank drafts, and the offer letter.

Justice Dada accepted all these documents as evidence, labeling them Exhibits P1 to P4.

The trial was then adjourned until September 25th and October 3rd, 2024, for continuation.

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Lagos schedules meeting with owners of distressed buildings.

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The Lagos State Government has said it would soon arrange a meeting with developers/owners of distressed buildings on how best to address the redesign and remodelling of such structures by November.

This was disclosed recently by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, at a function in Alahusa, Lagos.

Olumide said the prevalence of distressed buildings in different parts of the state was worrisome and needed the urgent attention of all stakeholders.

He said, “The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as mandated by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019, as amended, was willing to extend its responsibility for approving the remodelling of existing buildings to provide technical assistance to developers and owners of distressed buildings, especially on the design and remodelling of such buildings.

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FG threatens contractors over Enugu-Onitsha road delay

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The Federal Government has instructed the contractors responsible for the 107km Enugu-Onitsha road dualization to expedite the project.

This directive was given by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, during a meeting with MTN, the Enugu State Government, and the contractors, RCC Ltd and Nigercat Ltd, on Friday.

According to a statement released on Friday, the minister said he is disappointed over the slow pace of work on the project, he said, “Let me express my disappointment over the slow pace of work on that project. It is one of the worst roads in this country.

“Everywhere we have diversion; diverting from the one that RCC and Nigercat had completed, the contractors are not kind enough to even put stone based on the diversion points.”

He added, “So, by the reason of the launching of our Operation Free our Roads, it is now a violation of the policy on the side of the controllers and directors of the Federal Ministry of Works where we have vehicles falling on any project that is ongoing or where there are potholes on our roads.”

He also blamed the sufferings of road users on the lack of commitment and insensitivity of the contractors.

“The public must know that the President’s intention is not for them to suffer while trying to fix the roads, and it is their right to insist that contractors should fix the roads that they are engaged on,” he said.

The Minister commended the Enugu state government for their resolve to fund the construction of a 20 KM section of the road and expressed hope that MTN would execute the second phase of the project.

He noted, “Why the Enugu State government is intervening is because of the slow pace of work by the contractors and because of funding issues. The essence of tax credit is for funds to be made available. And so, I don’t see RCC going to keep their promise to finish this project in 6 months.

“My advice to MTN is to look for another contractor within that axis if they want to get the job done. Division of labour is even the best. While they are doing the road, and if Nigercat is doing a good job, you can give them greater scope to do if you want to finish that job.”

He warned contractors that the Federal Government would not accept phased handovers of projects and has phased out Variation of Price in contract administration.

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Ekiti state government mediates land dispute between traditional ruler and family in Epe-Ekiti

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The Ekiti State government has intervened to resolve a longstanding land dispute between the Elepe of Epe-Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Adesoye, and the Atolagbe family. The government cautioned against the misuse of modernization as an excuse to disregard traditional customs.

In line with the community’s traditions, the government has ordered the release of resources, including palm trees at Oko Oba Farmland, to Oba Adesoye for his administration. This decision ensures the continued adherence to age-old practices.

Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, announced the resolution in Ado-Ekiti. The decision was made after considering the Elepe’s claim to Oko Oba Farmland based on historical evidence.

Mrs. Afuye acknowledged the Elepe’s right to be the custodian of Oko Oba Farmland, citing longstanding traditions that support his claim. The decision reflects the importance of respecting historical practices and ensuring their preservation.

The deputy governor, however, told the monarch in clear terms that other princes and princesses from all the three ruling houses should be allowed to farm on the land without payment of royalty.

Mrs Afuye appealed to the community to comply with the government’s position to restore unity, peace and orderliness to the beleaguered community.

Oba Adesoye expressed gratitude for the government’s decision and pledged to foster peace and unity between the throne and the community, aiming to accelerate Epe’s development.

Representing the Atolagbe family, Dr. Yemi Agbeleoba acknowledged their willingness to cede Oko Oba Farmland to the monarch. However, he emphasized the need for all three ruling houses to participate for a lasting and traditional solution.

Agbeleoba expressed appreciation for the government’s directive, believing it will contribute to resolving the long-standing conflict.

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