EFCC Arraigns Man Over Alleged N13.7m Property Fraud in Ibadan

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibadan Zonal Directorate, has arraigned Yusuf Ademola Oyepeju alongside two companies, Alwajeez International Nigeria Limited and AIN Homes and Property Limited, over an alleged N13.7 million property fraud.

Oyepeju was arraigned before Justice Olusola Adetujoye of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, on a six count charge bordering on forgery, uttering, stealing by conversion and obtaining money under false pretence.

The EFCC alleged that Oyepeju defrauded a Dubai based Nigerian cleric, Fasasi Amidu Bayonle, whom he met through a WhatsApp group for Muslims and Islamic teachings, of N13,697,900 and property in Ibadan.

According to the prosecution, Bayonle had initially allowed Oyepeju to temporarily occupy his unoccupied house after the defendant sought financial assistance to secure accommodation for himself and his newly married wife.

The EFCC further alleged that Oyepeju, who presented himself as a property developer, later persuaded Bayonle to send N8.69 million for the purchase and development of land in Ibadan. The commission said investigations revealed that the defendant allegedly forged a transfer agreement and sold the house he was temporarily occupying to companies linked to him.

Oyepeju pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Following arguments on bail, Justice Adetujoye adjourned the matter for hearing of the bail application and remanded the defendant at Agodi Correctional Centre.