N1.4M scam: EFCC arrests 88-year-old grandpa

An 88-year-old grandfather, Olusola Alaba, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over an alleged N1.4 million scam. The old man was this week charged before a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja for allegedly obtaining money under false pretext and forgery.

Alaba was accused of fraudulently obtaining N1.4M from one Mrs. Olutoyin Ogundipe, on June 20, 2011 for the purchase of a three bedroom flat located at Plot 8 Oladimeji Alo Street, Lekki Phase One.

EFCC prosecutor, Mr Francis Usani further accused Alaba of forging four international passports in the names of Babatunde Savage, Anthony Okundalaye, Lateef Alli and Magnus Obe, to facilitate the fraudulent act.

Defending himself, Alaba who was a former member of the Western House of Assembly, pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against him . His defense counsel, Mrs. Mercy Emuveyan prayed the court to consider the defendant’s age and health condition and appealed to the Judge to remand him in EFCC custody pending the filing of his bail application.

Justice Okunnu who presided over the case remanded the defendant in EFCC custody and adjourned the case to March, 26 2013.