By Deborah Akpede
Lagos – For allegedly defrauding a would-be groom of N215,000 rent, a 38-year-old estate agent, Edward Ogbegor, was on Tuesday brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
Ogbegor, a resident of Adeyemi Makinde Avenue, Alagbado, Lagos, is being tried for fraud and stealing.
Prosecutor Micheal Unah told the court that the accused committed the offences on Aug. 10 at his residence.
He said the accused fraudulently obtained N215,000 from the complainant, Mr David Oluseyi, on the pretext of securing a two-bedroom flat at No. 21, Olusegun Ibidapo St., Ajegunle, for him.
“The complainant, who was about to wed, approached the accused to help him secure a two-bedroom flat so that he can move in a week before his wedding.
“The accused gave the complainant receipt and key to the apartment after the complainant had paid.
“The complainant moved some of his belongings from his uncle’s house where he was staying to his new place and also carried out some repairs.
“The complainant painted the flat, repaired the water closet and the doors and some other carpentry work and packed in few days to his wedding but was prevented by the landlady from packing into the apartment.
“The landlady told the complainant that the accused came to collect the money because he (complainant) said he does not need the house anymore.
“Since that day, the accused disappeared into thin air, relocated and refused to pick his calls.
“He was later found in his father’s house where he was hiding,” he told the court.
The offences contravened Sections 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Under Section 312, the accused risks a 15-year imprisonment on conviction, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
The accused pleaded innocence of the offences and was granted bail in the sum of N20,000 with one surety in like sum.
The Magistrate, Mrs A.O. Gbajumo, adjourned the case to Oct. 10 for mention.