Operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command, Lagos, have apprehended a 44-year-old estate manager, Ayodele Solanke, over allegations of defrauding multiple organisations of ₦99 million under false pretence.
According to a police statement, Solanke was arrested following several petitions from victims who accused him of collecting huge sums of money under the guise of providing office and residential spaces, only to divert the funds for personal use.
The suspect’s alleged fraudulent dealings came to light after he reportedly collected ₦25 million from the management of Moore Bishop and Brooks Abvisor, promising to secure an office space for the company — a promise he never fulfilled.
Further investigations revealed that Solanke also received ₦63 million from six other firms, including Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria (MBAN) Chapters, Heights Finance Limited, Silvercuum Cooperative Society, Push Africa, Mutual Specialist Investment Co., and Orisun Biotech Limited, under similar pretences.
Rather than remitting the funds to Unicorn Group, the company he allegedly represented, Solanke was said to have converted the money for his own use.
When efforts by the affected organisations to recover their funds failed, the matter was escalated to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Command, AIG Olatunji Fayoade, who directed a tactical team to pursue the case.
Following weeks of tracking, Solanke was eventually arrested at a hideout in Lagos.
After thorough investigations led by ASP Francis Achua, the suspect was arraigned before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, sitting at Tinubu, Lagos Island, on a three-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and stealing.
Prosecuting counsel ASP Jimoh Joseph told the court that the offences occurred in June 2025, at 362 Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba, and contravened relevant provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
Solanke, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Presiding Magistrate A.O. Alogba granted him bail in the sum of ₦2 million with two sureties in like sum, ordering that he be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre until he meets his bail conditions.
The case was subsequently adjourned for further hearing.
