Ondo community leader arraigned over alleged ₦3.2m land fraud
By Boye Oyeyemi
A 60-year-old community leader, Bello Francis, has been granted bail by an Akure Magistrate’s Court over allegations that he collected ₦3.2 million from a woman under the guise of selling her three plots of land.
Francis was arraigned on a two-count charge of fraud and conversion involving Lawal Hafsat Oyisa. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Police prosecutor Augustine Omhenihen told the court that the defendant allegedly collected the money in instalments between July 1, 2025, and May 18, 2026, in Akure but failed to deliver the promised plots.
The prosecutor further alleged that Francis diverted the money to his personal use instead of completing the land transaction.
The charges were brought under Sections 419 and 383(2)(a), punishable under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
Meanwhile, Omhenihen told the court that the prosecution intended to call five witnesses to establish its case. He subsequently sought an adjournment to prepare for the trial.
However, defence counsel A.O. Adeyemi urged the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms, citing his status as a community leader.
In his ruling, Magistrate O.T. Lebi granted Francis bail in the sum of ₦1 million with two sureties. The court adjourned the case until December 15, 2026, for further hearing.
