The 50-year-old defendant stood before Magistrate Patrick Nwaka on two counts of receiving money by false pretence and stealing.
According to Ayedun, who spoke to the newsmen at the court, the defendant presented himself as an official of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, promising to assist in obtaining approval for a prospective hotel in Ikorodu.
However, after the payment of N25 million was made to him 16 months ago, the defendant could neither be reached nor did he obtain the permit.
Ayedun said, “He told me he worked with LASPPPA and that he would help me get building approval and permit for my hotel. This is 16 months gone, and he did not even open a register.”
The police prosecutor, Thomas Nurudeen, informed the court that the defendant committed the crime on August 1, 2023.
Nurudeen specified that the offences contravene and are punishable under Sections 411 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State Nigeria 2015.
The charges read, “That you, Adegboyega Rabiu and others now at large on August 1, 2023, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, in the Lagos Magisterial District did commit felony to wit: obtaining money by false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State Nigeria 2015.
“That you, Adegboyega Rabiu and others now at large on August 1, 2023, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, in the Lagos Magisterial District did streal the sum of N25m under the pretence of getting building approval and permit for one Lanre Ayedun a representation you knew to be false and thereby committed and an offence punishable under Section 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State Nigeria 2015.”
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him.
The Magistrate Nwaka, following his plea, admitted him to bail in the sum of N2m with two responsible sureties in like sum.
Magistrate Nwaka also adjourned the case till January 1, 2024 for mention.
