admin 
A 48-year-old estate agent, Nonso Ibekwe, appeared in the Ebute-Metta Magistrate Court in Lagos on Friday, charged with defrauding client Samuel Ugbo of N36 million. Ibekwe allegedly committed the fraud in 2022 by falsely promising to sell Ugbo six plots of land.
Ibekwe faces three charges, including conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, and theft. The prosecution claims that Ibekwe and accomplices, who remain at large, deceived Ugbo into transferring N36 million for land that was never legitimately available.
The court heard that Ugbo was led to believe the transaction was genuine until he discovered the scheme. The charges against Ibekwe breach Sections 325, 314(1), (2), (3), and 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
Ibekwe has pleaded not guilty. Magistrate Waliu Salami granted him bail of N1 million, requiring two sureties with verified addresses and proof of tax payment to the Lagos State Government. The case is set to resume on September 18, 2024.
