The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Yusuf Ademola Oyepeju before the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan over an alleged ₦13.6 million fraud involving forgery, stealing by conversion and obtaining money under false pretence.

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Oyepeju was arraigned alongside Alwajeez International Nigeria Limited and AIN Homes and Property Limited on a six-count charge. The EFCC alleged that he defrauded Fasasi Bayonle, an Islamic cleric and Dubai-based Nigerian, after the two met through a WhatsApp group created for Muslims and Islamic teachings, where both reportedly served as tutors. The commission alleged that Oyepeju converted ₦8.69 million belonging to Bayonle to his personal use between February and August 2020.

According to the EFCC, the matter dates back to 2018 when Bayonle offered Oyepeju temporary use of his unoccupied house in Ibadan after the defendant sought financial assistance for accommodation. The commission alleged that Oyepeju later presented himself as a property developer and persuaded Bayonle to provide money for land acquisition and construction. However, he allegedly failed to fulfil the agreement and later forged a “Transfer of Agreement” document before selling the house he had been allowed to occupy to companies linked to him.

Oyepeju pleaded not guilty to the charges. While EFCC counsel, Sanusi Galadanchi, urged the court to remand him pending trial, his lawyer informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution. Justice Olusola Adetujoye adjourned the case for hearing of the bail application and ordered that Oyepeju be remanded at the Agodi Correctional Centre, Ibadan.