Court remands man for alleged N9m land scam

An Ikeja Special Offences Court on Tuesday remanded a man, Johnson Ofortube, for alleged theft of nine million Naira meant for land purchase.

Our correspondent reports that Ofortube was re-arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining money by false pretences.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Justice Ramon Oshodi ordered that he should be kept at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.

Oshodi held that a written application for the defendant’s bail was not before the court.

“I can’t take an oral bail application.

“The defendant is hereby remanded at Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending proper filing of his bail application,” Oshodi said.

The judge adjourned the case until April 17 for commencement of trial.

Defence counsel, Mr Chuks Mmamorah, had informed the court that Justice Sherifat Solebo granted bail to the defendant prior to her retirement.

“The defendant was always in court for his trial, my lord.

“We plead with the court to allow the defendant to continue to enjoy the bail earlier granted by retired Justice Solebo,” Mmamorah said.

EFCC counsel, Mr Fanel Anun, asked the court for a trial date.

Our correspondent reports that the EFCC charged the defendant with fraudulently converting nine million Naira belonging to one Mr George Ihetu.

The commission alleged that the sum was entrusted to the defendant for purchase of two and half plots of land situated at New Okota Lagos State Development and Property Corporation, Amuwo Odofin.

Our correspondent also reports that the defendant was first arraigned on July 14, 2022, before Solebo but the trial could not be concluded before the retirement of the judge.