KINGSLEY EBERE
A 79-year-old man, Rasaq Yusuf, has been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Ikeja over allegations relating to the sale of a property and diversion of funds in Mosan Ipaja area of Lagos State.
The Commissioner of Police filed two counts against the defendant through the Lagos State Police Command.
The Court documents showed the case was handled by SP Endurance Ovwigho, Divisional Police Officer, Ipaja Division.
According to the charge sheet dated 19th April, 2026, the alleged incident occurred on 13th April, 2026, at about 10:00am at Ogunfayo Street, OPC Bus Stop, Mosan Ipaja, within the Ikeja Magisterial District.
The Prosecuton alleged that Rasaq Yusuf conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace.
The charge stated that it involved allegedly assisting to sell an uncompleted 3-bedroom building at Ayetoro-Itele in Ogun State belonging to Olaniyi Afusat, and allegedly refusing to release proceeds to her.
The offence is punishable under Section 168(d) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.
The second count alleged that on the same date, time and place, the defendant stole by conversion the sum of Four Million Naira, N4,000,000.00, property of Olaniyi Afusat. This offence is contrary to Section 280(5)(a) and punishable under Section 287 of the same criminal law.
However, he pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, SP Philip Ademigbuji, asked the Court to give a date for hearing since he pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove that he actually committed the alleged offence.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O. Kusanu, granted him bail with two sureties, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment while addresses will be verified by the Court.
The case was adjourned for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Facility at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.
The Police investigating Officer was listed as Inspector Busayo Taiwo of Ipaja Division. The charge sheet indicated exhibits and evidence were noted for trial.
Under the Nigerian law, every person charged for an offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. The defendant will be given opportunity to respond to the allegations during trial.
Cases involving property transactions and financial disputes are treated seriously under Lagos State laws. Courts require evidence from both parties before making determinations on ownership and money matters.
