By Olayinka Ajayi

A Lagos State High Court sitting in Tarfawa Belewa Square, has remanded popular Lagos land developer and Managing Director of Vafiero International Limited, Pascal Offiah, in Ikoyi prison, Lagos.

Offiah, who was remanded in prison by Justice Sherifat Sonnaike pending the hearing of his bail application, was arraigned one count charge of fraud. The court is also to hear arguments on the bail application January 13, 2025.

In the charge sheet, no. LD/22295C/2023, Offiah was alleged to have obtained by false pretense the sum of N51 million from Mr. John Ogwo under the pretext of selling 24 plots of land situated at Oshoroko village in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, between 2016 and 2017, a representation he knew to be false.

Offiah, who had been on administrative bail, before his arraignment was said to have been absent at the last two hearings in the matter.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, Dr. Babajide Martins, appeared for the state, while Offiah, was represented by counsel, K. Onwuegbuchulem.

The Lagos DPP, Martins, further notified the court that there were other complainants in the case for which the charges would later be amended to include.

The case was adjourned till February 13, 2025, for hearing.