Operatives of the Force Investigation Department (FID) at the Force Headquarters Annex in Lagos have arrested Ogunbo Oyindamola, a suspected fraudulent farm investor, for allegedly defrauding businessman Michael Ayodeji of N20 million under false pretenses.
Oyindamola has been charged in a Lagos Magistrate’s Court for the offense.
According to police reports, Oyindamola presented herself to Ayodeji as a legitimate farm investor, promising to use his money to establish a farm settlement. However, the police allege that she never intended to fulfill this agreement and instead fled with the funds after collecting them.
After discovering the scam, Ayodeji submitted a petition to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), who assigned the case to a specialized team at the Force Investigation Department in Lagos.
The police located and arrested Oyindamola at a hideout in Lagos. She has been charged at the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, which sits at the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court on Lagos Island, with five counts, including obtaining money under false pretenses and theft.
During the proceedings, prosecuting counsel Inspector Gbenga Salami stated that the offenses occurred between October 2021 and 2022 on Lagos Island. He described how Oyindamola falsely claimed to be a farmer, collected N20 million from Ayodeji, and then vanished without following through on her promises.
Salami also revealed that Oyindamola, along with an accomplice named Oyemakinde Ayokunle, attempted to repay Ayodeji by issuing a N20 million cheque. However, the cheque was dishonored when presented at the bank due to insufficient funds.
Oyindamola has been charged under sections 411, 287, and 314(a)(b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, along with violations of the Cheques Offences Act Cap D11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004.
She pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Her counsel, N.G. Lawal, requested that the court grant her bail under lenient conditions, assuring the court that she would not flee if released.
Chief Magistrate M.A. Sonuga granted bail in the amount of N1 million, requiring two sureties in the same sum.
The case has been adjourned until October 23, 2024, for a mention, and Oyindamola has been ordered to remain at Kirikiri Correctional Facility until her bail conditions are satisfied.
