From Matthew Irinoye, Lagos
A Lagos-based businessman, Alhaji Bashir Ahmed was yesterday arrested and detained by X-Squad Department of Lagos state Police Command following the allegation that he forged the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) and Deed of Assignment of a property situated at No. 13, Akinyele Village, Baruwa, ‘Boys Town’ Ipaja, Lagos, belonging to his friend, Mr. Anthony Ojo and his wife, Titi Grace.
It was gathered that the action of the police was sequel to the Lagos Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) advice dated March 14, 2014, wherein it directed the police to arraign the suspected fraudster before a court of law.
The one paragraph advice, signed by one J. O. Ogunsanya Esq, Assistant Chief State Counsel, on behalf of the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice read thus: “I am directed to inform you that the above named defendant whose case you investigated will be arraigned at Magistrate Court 1, Ikeja on March 15, 2014. You are hereby notified to be present and produce the said defendant on the above date and court.”
In a petition addressed to the Governor of Lagos state, Babatunde Raji Fashola, dated February 24, 2014, received same date, alleged that Alhaji Ahmed, his wife, Bola and their alleged cohorts conspired and fraudulently manipulated the C of O of Mr. Ojo, forged his signature and also threatened to kill the complainant, in connivance with some dubious officers of Lands Registry, Alausa, Ikeja.
The petition, which was signed by counsel to Mr. Ojo, Emmanuel A. Ogbeche of Trust Associates, pointedly accused the unnamed officials of the state civil service of colluding with the suspected fraudster to fleece his client of his property.
Meanwhile, Justice Atinuke Ipaye had on October 11, 2011 issued a restraining order on Alhaji Ahmed from trespassing or otherwise interfering with the deal by any means or in whatever manner with the property in question.
Our correspondent gathered that Alhaji Ahmed will on Friday 4th, April 4, 2014 be arraigned before a magistrate court on five count charge of forgery, presentation of forged Letter of Authority purporting same to have been signed by Mr. Ojo in order to obtain C of O from Lagos state Lands Registry.
