The police on Thursday arraigned a 54-year-old land grabber, Mukaila Oladele, before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly obtaining N8 million under the pretext of selling land.

Oladele, a resident of Oyo Town, is standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Sergeant Akeem Akinloye, told the court that the defendant and another person still at large committed the offences between October 2024 and April 31, in Oyo.

Mr Akinloye alleged that the defendant obtained N8 million from one Adekunle Hadi under the false pretence of having 10 acres of land for sale along the Oyo–Iseyin Road in Oyo.

He alleged that the defendant knew the claim to be false but converted the money to his personal use.

He said the offences contravened Sections 390(8)(b) and 422 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

Defence counsel, Ola Olaniyi, prayed the court to admit the defendant to bail on liberal terms.

The Chief Magistrate, Olabisi Ogunkanmi, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum.

Ms Ogunkanmi ruled that one of the sureties must be a building property owner with a survey plan, while the second surety must be the Imam of Isale-Oyo Mosque in Oyo Town.

She thereafter adjourned the case until March 11, 2026, for mention. 

(NAN)