A 36-year-old tenant, Akinola Babatunde, has been remanded in prison custody by an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court sitting at Tinubu, Lagos, for allegedly selling his landlord’s property without authorization for ₦45 million.

According to police reports, Babatunde, in connivance with others currently at large, allegedly sold the property located at No. 7, Fagbile Estate, Isheri Oshun, to one Ernest Dumbri Igbinedion using forged documents.

Investigations revealed that the landlord had permitted Babatunde to stay in the building to help ward off land grabbers. However, the fraudulent deal came to light when the buyer mobilized workers to the site, prompting the real owner to raise an alarm.

Following a petition by the landlord, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2 Command, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, ordered the arrest of the suspect.

Babatunde was subsequently arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, and stealing — offences punishable under Sections 411, 314, and 287 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. Chief Magistrate A.O. Alogba granted him bail and adjourned the case for further hearing.