The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a man, Yusuf Ademola Oyepeju, before the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan for allegedly converting and selling the property of a Dubai-based Nigerian and Islamic cleric.

Oyepeju was arraigned alongside his two companies, Alwajeez International Nigeria Limited and AIN Homes and Property Limited, on a six-count charge bordering on forgery, uttering of documents, stealing by conversion and obtaining money under false pretence.

The EFCC alleged that Oyepeju defrauded Fasasi Amidu Bayonle of N13.69 million and properties, including a house in the Olodo area of Ibadan.

According to the prosecution, the two men met through a WhatsApp group created for Muslims to promote Islamic teachings, where they both served as tutors.

The EFCC said their relationship became complicated in 2018 when Oyepeju sought Bayonle’s financial assistance to secure accommodation for himself and his newly married wife in Ibadan.

Bayonle, who had relocated to the United Arab Emirates, reportedly allowed Oyepeju to temporarily occupy his unoccupied house at No. 3, Road 7, Ikumapayi area of Olodo, Ibadan.

The commission alleged that after taking possession of the house, Oyepeju, who had presented himself as a property developer, persuaded Bayonle to send him money to purchase land and develop another property on his behalf.

The prosecution told the court that Bayonle subsequently transferred N8,697,900 to Oyepeju for the proposed land purchase and development.

However, instead of using the money for the intended purpose, the EFCC alleged that Oyepeju forged a
“Transfer of Agreement” purportedly between himself and Bayonle and used it to sell the house he had been allowed to occupy temporarily to his companies.

The commission further alleged that Oyepeju converted the proceeds of the transaction to his personal use and failed to fulfil his promise to purchase land and develop another house for Bayonle.

One of the charges alleged that between February and August 2020, within the jurisdiction of the court, Oyepeju and his companies converted the N8,697,900 belonging to Bayonle to their personal use, contrary to the relevant provisions of the Criminal Code Act.

Oyepeju pleaded not guilty to all six counts.

Following his plea, EFCC counsel, Sanusi Galadanchi, asked the court to adjourn the matter for trial and urged it to remand the defendant in a correctional facility.

Defence counsel, B. Ajibola, told the court that a bail application had been filed and served on the prosecution, urging the judge to admit his client to bail.

Justice Olusola Adetujoye subsequently adjourned the case for hearing of the bail application and ordered that Oyepeju be remanded at the Agodi Correctional Centre.
Photo: Judiciary