An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness, Felicia Paul, testified at a Lagos Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, claiming that Muritala Adebayo, also known as Oloriebi of Ajaland, fraudulently obtained three vehicles and a large sum of money from his son-in-law, Mr Gafar Adamonlake.

During the trial, the witness detailed the investigation conducted by her team, stating that the defendant, Muritala, received the vehicles and a significant amount of money from the complainant in exchange for land in the Ogombo and Ibeju-Lekki areas of Lagos state.

The witness further revealed that their investigation uncovered that Muritala and three of his employees, namely Ahmed, Godwin, and Richard, received portions of the funds on behalf of the defendant, with some of the money being received in cash and through bank transfers.

According to the witness, the defendant received N14.5 million for the land in Ibeju-Lekki and N4.5 million for the land in Ogombo, in addition to obtaining a Honda Civic and two Toyota Camry cars worth N9 million.

The witness stated, “I know the defendant from the investigation. My team investigated the case after Mr Gafar Adamonlake, through his counsel, filed a petition to the commission. In 2015, the complainant met the defendant for the purchase of land at Ogombo and Ibeju-Lekki.

“He paid N4.5 million for the Ogombo land and N14.5 million for the Ibeju-Lekki land. The complainant also gave the defendant three cars – one Honda Civic and two Toyota Camry cars worth N9 million – in exchange for land at Ibeju-Lekki.

“The complainant made cash payments and transfers to the defendant’s account. The defendant’s staffers – Ahamed, Richard, and Godwin – also received funds from the complainant on his behalf. When the complainant submitted his petition, he brought along some documents, including the Deed of Assignments for the land in Ogombo and Ibeju-Lekki.”

During the investigation, N4.5 million related to the property at Ogombo was recovered and returned to the complainant. The witness also mentioned that evidence of cash payments and transfers to the defendant’s staffers was obtained.

Furthermore, during the defendant’s arrest, his employees (Ahmed, Richard, and Godwin) confirmed they had received money at different times on his behalf.

Following the testimony, Justice Mojisola Dada adjourned the case to November 12, 2024, to continue the trial.