Ajah landlord Bello remanded over alleged attempt to reclaim N60m duplex sold to buyer
Bello
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
By Paul Iyoghojie
A 43-year-old landlord, Afeez Abimbola Bello, has been remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility by a Lagos Magistrate’s Court for allegedly attempting to forcefully reclaim a duplex he purportedly sold for N60 million to Adewale Hamzat Sanni.
The arrest followed a petition filed by the buyer, Sanni, who accused Bello of unlawfully entering the property located at 12, Abimbola Crescent, Oke Ira Nla, Mashil Estate, Badore, Ajah, Lagos, and damaging the entrance door.
The complainant further alleged that Bello claimed he had previously sold the same property to another individual, identified as Afeez Olowo, before selling it to him.
According to police investigations led by Inspector Fajimi Waheed, Bello allegedly threatened Sanni with violence through gang members when the latter insisted on full possession of the property, stating he had valid documents and had already moved in his belongings.
The case, investigated by the Inspector General of Police’s Monitoring Unit, resulted in Bello being charged with six offences, including fraud, willful damage, threat to life, forcible entry, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
The police prosecutor, Ishola Samuel, told the court that the offences were committed on 7 May and 8 September 2024.
The charges against Bello are punishable under Sections 406, 326, 215, 52, and 168 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.
In one of the counts, Bello was accused of attempting to fraudulently convert the property by claiming it was sold to an imposter named Afeez Olowo.
Another charge stated that Bello threatened to kill Sanni with the aid of unlawful gangs for challenging his actions.
The defendant pleaded not guilty. Chief Magistrate M. Owunmi granted him bail of N100 million, with three sureties in like sum.
The court ordered that half of the bail sum be deposited with the court registrar and adjourned the case until 6 February 2025 for mention.
Until the bail conditions are met, Bello will remain in custody.
