EFCC Arraign Property Developer for N7m Scam

EFCC Press Release
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, November 3, 2014 arraigned Alhaji Hakeem M. Ashogbon, a Lagos property developer, before Justice Sedoten Ogunsanya of the Lagos State High Court,  Ikeja on a 5- count charge bordering on stealing and  forgery.

Troubles came for Ashogbon, 58, when he allegedly reneged on an agreement he made in 1989, with an owner of an un-completed property in Somolu, Lagos. In the agreement, he was supposed to complete the property and collect rent on it for five years, and return the property to the owner. However, Ashogbon reportedly completed the property and for twelve years, he failed to remit any rent to the owner. Besides, he allegedly forged a power of attorney, in concert with his lawyer, Barrister John Lumanze, conferring the ownership of the property to himself.
When the charges were read to him, he pleaded not guilty.
 One of the charges read:
 “Alhaji Hakeem M. Ashogbon (Trading under the name and style of Hamashogbon Investment and Property Developer) between 1991 and 3rd day of March, 2011 whilst being the developer and caretaker of the property comprising two units mini-flats, room and parlour and several single rooms situate, lying and being at No. 29, Odunlami Street, Shomolu, Lagos State, within the Ikeja Judicial Division of this honourable court converted to your own use the sum of N7, 000,000.00 (Seven Million Naira)”.
 In view of his plea, prosecuting counsel, Kamil Bashiru asked for a trial date and prayed the court to remand the accused in prison custody.
 However, defence counsel, Prince A. Adejare asked for a short adjournment to enable him file his bail application.

After listening to both counsel, Justice Ogunsanya adjourned the matter to December16, 2014 for trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded in Kirikiri Maximum prison.

 

Wilson Uwujaren

Head, Media & Publicity

4^th November, 2014