Operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command, Lagos, have arrested a 44-year-old estate manager, Ayodele Solanke, for allegedly defrauding several companies of a total sum of N99 million under false pretence.
According to the police, Solanke’s arrest followed multiple complaints from victims who accused him of collecting large sums of money under the guise of securing office and accommodation spaces but allegedly diverting the funds for personal use.
Reports said that trouble began when Solanke allegedly collected N25 million from the management of Moore Bishop and Brooks Abvisor, promising to provide office space for the firm, which he failed to fulfil.
Investigators said he later received another N63 million from six organisations—Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria (MBAN) Chapters, Heights Finance Limited, Silvercuum Cooperative Society, Push Africa, Mutual Specialist Investment Co., and Orisun Biotech Limited, under similar pretences.
Instead of remitting the funds to Unicorn Group, the company said to have contracted him for the deals, Solanke allegedly converted the money for his personal use.
Following the failed attempts by the victims to recover their money, the case was reported to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2, AIG Olatunji Fayoade, who ordered a tactical team to track down the suspect.
After investigations led by ASP Francis Achua, the suspect was charged before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court sitting at the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, Lagos Island, on a three-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
The prosecuting counsel, ASP Jimoh Joseph, told the court that the offences were committed in June 2025 at 362 Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba, and contravened Sections of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
Solanke pleaded not guilty to all charges. The presiding Magistrate, A.O. Alogba, granted him N2 million bail with two sureties in like sum.
He was ordered to be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions, while the case was adjourned for further hearing.
- Media Report