Land fraudster gets 3-year jail term for N2.5 million scam

In a recent legal development, a 55-year-old man named Benjamin Adegbola has been sentenced to three years in prison by an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court for defrauding two families of N2.5 million. Adegbola, who falsely claimed to be a registered surveyor, promised to obtain a land survey plan for the families but failed to deliver.

Despite pleading not guilty to the three-count charges of stealing, fraud, and obtaining under false pretense, Adegbola was convicted by Magistrate Mr. S. S Shotayo. The court found that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to establish his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Magistrate Shotayo handed down a two-year sentence for the first count, one year for the second count, and three years for the third count. The sentences will run concurrently. Additionally, Adegbola has the option to refund N1.7 million to the complainants or serve the jail sentence.

The fraudulent activities took place between March 2020 and August 2021 in the Oke-ilewo area of Abeokuta. During this period, Adegbola, masquerading as a registered surveyor, fraudulently obtained N2.5 million from the families of Viadinu Todeuke and OkeOdebija. The promised registered land survey plan was never delivered, and the money was not refunded.

These actions violate sections 484, 390(9), and 419 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun, 2006. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the legal consequences for those engaging in fraudulent activities, especially in matters related to property and land transactions.