An Oyo State High Court has ordered the remand of a suspected fraudster at the Agodi Correctional Centre, Ibadan, over an alleged N13.7 million property scam.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibadan Zonal Directorate, arraigned Yusuf Oyepeju alongside his two companies, Alwajeez International Nigeria Limited and AIN Homes and Property Limited.
They are facing a six-count charge bordering on forgery, uttering of documents, stealing by conversion and obtaining money under false pretence.
The alleged offences involve a total sum of N13,697,900.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ibadan on Wednesday.
According to the commission, Oyepeju allegedly met his victim, Fasasi Bayonle, a Dubai-based Nigerian Islamic cleric, through a WhatsApp group created for Muslim teachings.
Both men reportedly served as tutors in the group.
The EFCC alleged that Oyepeju used the relationship to gain Bayonle’s trust before presenting himself as a property developer.
The commission said the suspect initially approached Bayonle in 2018, seeking financial assistance to secure accommodation for himself and his new wife in Ibadan.
Instead of giving him money immediately, Bayonle allegedly allowed Oyepeju to temporarily occupy his house at No. 3, Road 7, Ikumapayi Area, Olodo, Ibadan.
The EFCC alleged that Oyepeju later persuaded Bayonle to send N8,697,900 for the purchase of land and construction of another house in Ibadan.
Investigators, however, alleged that the money was never used for the intended purpose.
The commission further alleged that Oyepeju forged a “Transfer of Agreement” document involving the property.
He was also accused of selling the house he had been allowed to occupy to his own companies and converting the proceeds for personal use.
One of the charges alleged that Oyepeju and the two companies converted N8,697,900 belonging to Bayonle for their personal use, contrary to the Criminal Code Act.
When the charges were read in court, Oyepeju pleaded not guilty.
EFCC counsel, Sanusi Galadanchi, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility.
Defence counsel, B. Ajibola, however, told the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution.
Justice Olusola Adetujoye adjourned the case to hear the bail application and ordered that Oyepeju be remanded at the Agodi Correctional Centre in the meantime.
The case highlights concerns over the exploitation of trusted relationships and online communities for alleged financial crimes.
The defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
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