LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-A popular caretaker in Mushin area of Lagos State, identified as Salaudeen Azeez has been apprehended by the Mushin Olosha Police Operatives for stealing and collecting rent under false pretense.
According to a source, the suspect is notorious for such dealings as a number of people have made similar allegations.
The complaint, who simply identified himself as Joseph (Businessman) in a chat with voicenaija.ng disclosed that the caretaker has been with his N450,000 since November 2022.
“I was in search of an apartment as a result of the renovation notice given to us by our landlady.
“I reached out to this caretaker who also gives out apartments on lease.
“He collected my N450,000 after which I didn’t see any apartment or even hear from him.
“I started reaching out to him but he kept giving excuses. Today he is in Ketu, tomorrow he is in Mowe.
“He started claiming he has used my money to tend to his medical condition.
“Fast forward to last week, I called him lamenting the urgency of my moving out of my place as our landlady gave a stern reminder to all tenants.
“Baba then came to my compound to discuss with me, that was when I mobilized Olosha Police operatives to arrest him”, he said.
According to the complainant, the suspect has shown no sign of remorse, as he kept shouting in Police custody, “this is a civil case and not a criminal case”.
The defendant has now been arraigned in Ogba Magistrate’s Court, facing a two-count charge bordering on theft and obtaining under false pretense.
Azeez pleaded not guilty to both charges against him.
The Prosecutor, John Iberedem said the offense was punishable 314(1b) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
S.E Ihonre, the defence counsel appealed to the court for a liberal bail condition as the claimed the defendant has health challenges.
However, the Magistrate S.A Matepo countered the plea saying there is no medical report to that effect.
Matepo granted the defendant bail of N200,000 with two sureties, both gainfully employed and one a blood relative to the defendant.
The case was adjourned till 5 March for mention.
