Man, 51, in court over N2.25m land scam

From Lateef Dada, Osogbo

A 51-year-old man, Olowojaje Biliaminu, was on Monday arraigned before an Osun State Magistrates’ Court sitting in Osogbo over alleged N2.25 million land fraud and criminal threats.

Biliaminu is facing a three-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretences, fraudulent conversion and criminal threats, contrary to and punishable under Sections 418, 419, 390(9) and 86 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun State, 2002.

According to the charge sheet, the defendant allegedly committed the offences on July 5 in the Okinni area of Osun State.

Police prosecutor, Fatoba Temitope, told the court that Biliaminu approached the complainant, Idowu Oluwadamilare, and offered to sell him a parcel of land at Anla area of Okinni, claiming that he needed urgent funds.

The prosecutor said the complainant, relying on the defendant’s representation, paid N2.25 million for the property.

“Trusting the representation, the victim paid the sum of N2,250,000 to the defendant,” the prosecutor told the court.

The prosecution further alleged that after receiving the money, Biliaminu failed to deliver the land or refund the money, but allegedly converted the funds to his personal use.

It was also alleged that when Oluwadamilare demanded a refund, the defendant threatened him.

The Investigating Police Officer, Najeem Adelakun, told the court that the defendant subsequently resold the same parcel of land to another buyer for N2.5 million.

Adelakun also disclosed that Biliaminu had instituted a fundamental human rights suit against the police, alleging misconduct by officers handling the matter.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to all three counts.

Defence counsel, Saheed Alatise, urged the court to grant his client bail, arguing that efforts were already underway to resolve the matter amicably with the complainant.

Presiding Magistrate, Olusegun Ayilara, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1 million, with one surety in like sum.

The magistrate also ordered the temporary seizure of the defendant’s vehicles pending a report on the progress of the proposed settlement.

The case was adjourned until October 6, 2026, for hearing.