Federal High Court Abeokuta: Arraignment For ₦11M Ogun Farmland Fraud

• The Ogun State Police Command concluded investigations into an alleged ₦11 million farmland fraud.
• Two suspects, Oluwaseyi Oluwatosin Olaleye and Tirisimiyu Balogun, are set for arraignment before the Federal High Court, Abeokuta.
• The case stems from a petition by Kazeem Olanrewaju regarding a fraudulent transaction for 20 acres of farmland between June and November 2025.
• The suspects allegedly obtained ₦11 million under false pretenses, diverted the money, and failed to transfer the land or refund the funds.
• A third suspect, Akinyosola Akinlamon, remains at large, with police actively working to apprehend him.

The police assert that the funds were subsequently diverted for personal use by the accused parties.

The Ogun State Police Command has concluded its investigation into an alleged ₦11 million farmland fraud, which involves accusations of advance fee fraud, money laundering, and criminal conspiracy. This development follows a petition filed by Kazeem Olanrewaju, who claims to have been defrauded in a transaction concerning 20 acres of cocoa and kola nut farmland. The police are set to arraign two individuals, 44-year-old Oluwaseyi Oluwatosin Olaleye and 67-year-old Tirisimiyu Balogun, before the Federal High Court in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

According to findings from the police investigation, the alleged fraudulent activity transpired between June and November 2025. During this period, the petitioner reportedly paid ₦11,000,000 to the two suspects and another individual, under the pretense of purchasing farmland located in Apora Village. The transaction was said to have taken place at Alawaya Village, Ehin Osun, near Ijebu-Igbo. The police assert that the funds were subsequently diverted for personal use by the accused parties.

The investigation further revealed that despite the substantial payment, the promised farmland was never transferred to Kazeem Olanrewaju, nor was the money refunded. One of the accused, Oluwaseyi Olaleye, reportedly attempted to evade arrest by fleeing to Osun State but was eventually tracked down and apprehended by police operatives. These findings form the basis for the upcoming arraignment of Oluwaseyi Olaleye and Tirisimiyu Balogun in connection with the Ogun farmland fraud.

The two suspects, Oluwaseyi Olaleye and Tirisimiyu Balogun, are slated to appear before the Federal High Court Abeokuta to face charges related to the alleged ₦11m farmland fraud in Nigeria. The specific allegations against them include advance fee fraud, money laundering, and criminal conspiracy. The police command, through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed that all necessary investigations have been completed, paving the way for the judicial process.

This case highlights the legal framework addressing land-related criminal conspiracies and financial deception in Nigeria. The Federal High Court Abeokuta land fraud case will proceed with the arraignment, where the suspects will formally enter their pleas. It is crucial to note, as emphasized by the police, that both Oluwaseyi Olaleye and Tirisimiyu Balogun are presumed innocent until their guilt is established beyond a reasonable doubt by a competent court of law, upholding a fundamental principle of justice.

Beyond the impending Oluwaseyi Olaleye Tirisimiyu Balogun arraignment, the police investigation has uncovered links between Balogun and another individual, Akinyosola Akinlamon, who is currently at large. Akinlamon is also implicated in the alleged conspiracy to commit advance fee fraud. The Ogun State Police Command has affirmed its commitment to apprehending Akinlamon, stating that efforts are actively underway to locate and bring him to justice.

The authorities are determined to ensure that all individuals connected with this significant case of advance fee fraud in Ogun State are held accountable. The ongoing pursuit of Akinyosola Akinlamon underscores the comprehensive nature of the police's efforts to address such criminal activities and protect citizens from fraudulent schemes involving valuable assets like farmland. The outcome of this Federal High Court Abeokuta land fraud case will be closely watched as it progresses through the legal system.

Lawyers should monitor this case for developments regarding the prosecution of advance fee fraud and land-related criminal conspiracies in Nigeria, particularly concerning the Federal High Court's approach to such matters. It underscores the importance of due diligence in land transactions to mitigate client exposure to similar fraudulent schemes.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH