Six Arraigned In Ondo Over Alleged Land Grabbing, N18m Fraud

Six persons have been arraigned before an Akure Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State over separate allegations of land grabbing, trespass, encroachment and fraud involving N18 million.

The defendants were brought before Magistrate O. Omotosho in three separate cases instituted by the Ondo State Anti-Graft Agency and the police. All six pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In the first case, the anti-graft agency charged Alake Kayode with conspiracy, encroachment and the alleged fraudulent takeover of five plots of land at Igunshin Community Layout, Akure.

The prosecutor, O.E. Akintan, told the court that Kayode and other persons still at large allegedly conspired between 2024 and 2026 to take over the property belonging to Akinsominu Akinsokeji Olubunmi.

In the second case, Kehinde Olomola and Adanlawo Victoria were charged with alleged land grabbing, trespass and encroachment. The prosecution urged the court to remand them, alleging that they had failed to honour several invitations before their arrest.

The third case involved Bayode Abidemi, 51, Bayode Fabilola, 51, and Adebusuyi Bayode, 50, who were accused of conspiring to obtain N18 million from Hellen Yemisi Adewole under false pretences.

According to the police, the defendants allegedly presented themselves as owners of a property at No. 7 Iromu Street, Oba-Ile, Akure, to facilitate the transaction, which reportedly took place between February 25 and March 5, 2026.

The police prosecutor, Folasade Adeyemi, alleged that the defendants converted the money to their personal use after receiving it. Their lawyers, however, applied for bail, arguing that their clients were presumed innocent and would not abscond.

Ruling on the applications, Magistrate Omotosho granted Kayode bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties. Olomola and Victoria were also granted bail of N1 million each with two sureties.

The three defendants in the alleged N18 million fraud case were granted bail of N2 million each, with two sureties in like sum. The cases were adjourned to October 2, 27 and 29, 2026, respectively, for further proceedings.