EFCC brings charges against man with virtual impairment in N19m land fraud case

A 72-year-old man who is practically blind, Murtala Adebayo, was charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday with cheating a man out of N19 million.

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A three-count allegation pertaining to collecting money by deception was brought against Adebayo before an Ikeja Special Offences Court, according to Obasanjo News24.

Despite not providing his residence, the defendant entered a not guilty plea to the accusation.

Having entered a not-guilty plea, Mr. Babangida Isah, the EFCC’s attorney, then begged the court for a trail date.

Bamidele Ogundele, the defence attorney, did, nevertheless, advise the court of a bail application dated January 24. The prosecution, however, requested a brief adjournment so that Ogundele could make the motion.

He claims that the defendant is practically disabled and has health problems.

“We ask that the bail application be heard on a brief postponement, my lord, due to his health condition.

The man is blind and 72 years old.

He said, “We also pray that the defendant is in the custody of the EFCC due to his health condition so that his physician can treat him there.”

The prosecution had earlier informed the court that the defendant was claimed to have committed the offences in Lagos in 2015 and 2019, respectively.

Isah claimed that the defendant deceived one Gafar Ademolake into paying N4.5 million for three plots of land at Ogombo Ajah in Lagos, a presentation he knew to be fraudulent, in order to receive the money with the intent to defraud.

The prosecution stated that in addition, the defendant received N5.5 million from the complainant in exchange for 18 erroneously identified parcels of land in Ayogbemi Village, Ibeju-Lekki.

The case was postponed until February 9th, when Judge Mojisola Dada will consider the bail application.

Dada ruled that the defendant would stay in the custody of the EFCC while his bail plea was heard and decided.