EFCC begins trial of female estate agent accused of N4.8m fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday, began the trial of a 37-year-old woman, Funmi Joseph, accused of N4.8 million property fraud.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Joseph is being prosecuted before Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye of an Ikeja High Court.

She was charged to court alongside her company – Rockdale Synergy International Ltd.,- on two counts of stealing and issuance of dishonoured cheque.

The EFCC alleged that she had swindled one Dr. Dennis Oyakhire, under the guise of helping him to purchase a property at the Redeemed Christian Church of God Camp, Mowe in Ogun state.

During Monday’s proceedings, the prosecution called Oyakhire to testify against the defendants.

Oyakhire, a staff of Shell Petroleum Development Company, told the court that he saw an advert that they had placed in Castle Magazine concerning the availability of some property.

The witness, who was led in evidence by the EFCC counsel, Mr. Ben Ubi, said he met Joseph during the Holy Ghost Congress, organised by the RCCG in March 2010.

“I met with her through the number placed on the advert and indicated interest in securing a three-bedroom flat under construction in the area.

“We agreed that a deposit of N2 million should be paid and I sent the money through my cousin who is also a pastor in Redeemed Church,” he said.

According to him, after paying the initial deposit and an additional N2.8 million, Joseph started giving frivolous excuses.

Oyakhire said, “I therefore, requested for a refund of my money because at this stage, I knew that the whole process was a scam.

He said Joseph later issued a cheque of N2 million in his favour which was dishonoured by the bank when it was presented.

The witness said this led him to petition the EFCC which eventually arrested Joseph and charged her to court.

NAN reports that the matter was adjourned till June 10 for continuation of trial. (NAN)