In a decisive move against financial crime, Justice I. O. Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, on Monday, August 25, 2025, sentenced Sulaiman Olayiwola Gbajabiamila to a cumulative 20 years in prison for defrauding a Lagos resident of ₦31 million.
Gbajabiamila was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in September 2023 on multiple charges, including stealing, obtaining property under false pretences, forgery, and retention of proceeds of crime. The offences, dating back to 2021, involved defrauding Lateef Ayo Adeyemo while attempting to acquire a flat in Lagos Homes, Iponri.
According to court proceedings, Gbajabiamila diverted payments totaling ₦31 million for his personal use instead of facilitating the property acquisition. The EFCC presented two witnesses and several documents during the trial, which were admitted into evidence, exposing the fraudulent scheme.
In her defence, Gbajabiamila’s counsel requested leniency, citing his client’s remorse and first-time offence. Despite this, Justice Ijelu delivered a stern judgment, sentencing Gbajabiamila to varying terms for each count: five years for stealing, seven years for obtaining property by false pretences, two years each for forgery and use of false documents, and four years for retention of criminal proceeds. Options for fines were also provided on certain counts.
The case underscores the commitment of the Lagos judiciary and the EFCC to tackling property fraud and reinforcing accountability in financial transactions.
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