EFCC Arraigns Man Over 'Illicit' Ibadan Property Deal
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned Yusuf Ademola Oyepeju and his two companies before an Oyo State High Court over the alleged conversion and sale of a Dubai-based Nigerian cleric's property in Ibadan.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a man, Yusuf Ademola Oyepeju, before the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan for allegedly converting and selling the property of a Dubai-based Nigerian and Islamic cleric.
Oyepeju was arraigned alongside his two companies, Alwajeez International Nigeria Limited and AIN Homes and Property Limited, on a six-count charge bordering on forgery, uttering of documents, stealing by conversion and obtaining money under false pretence.
The EFCC alleged that Oyepeju defrauded Fasasi Amidu Bayonle of N13.69 million and properties, including a house in the Olodo area of Ibadan. According to the prosecution, the two men met through a WhatsApp group created for Muslims to promote Islamic teachings, where they both served as tutors.
The commission alleged that after Bayonle allowed Oyepeju to temporarily occupy his unoccupied house at No. 3, Road 7, Ikumapayi area of Olodo, Oyepeju, who had presented himself as a property developer, persuaded Bayonle to send him money to purchase land and develop another property on his behalf. Bayonle subsequently transferred N8,697,900 to Oyepeju for the proposed purchase and development.
Instead of using the money for the intended purpose, the EFCC alleged that Oyepeju forged a 'Transfer of Agreement' purportedly between himself and Bayonle and used it to sell the house he had been allowed to occupy temporarily to his companies, converting the proceeds to his personal use.
Following his plea, EFCC counsel Sanusi Galadanchi asked the court to adjourn the matter for trial and urged it to remand the defendant in a correctional facility, while defence counsel B. Ajibola told the court that a bail application had been filed. Justice Olusola Adetujoye adjourned the case for hearing of the bail application and ordered that Oyepeju be remanded at the Agodi Correctional Centre.