By Deborah Akpede

The Police Command in Lagos State has detained a 41-year-old woman over an alleged N450 million land fraud involving no fewer than 30 victims.

It was gathered that the suspect obtained money from the victims under the pretext box selling land to them.

The suspect absconded to an unknown location and used part of the money to build a hotel.

The victims reported the case to the Ebute-Ero Police Division on July 10, prompting an investigation that led to the suspect's arrest.

Following the report, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr Fatai Tijani, directed that the case be transferred from the Ebute-Ero Division to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba for comprehensive investigation.

According to a police source, the suspect obtained money from the victims under the false pretext of selling plots of land in the South-East through her company, Lilyworth Homes Ltd.

"The suspect, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the company, collected various sums from the victims over a period of more than two years.

"Each of the victim paid N9.45 million for the proposed land transactions, but the promised allocations never materialised.

"The suspect subsequently abandoned her corporate office and relocated to an unknown location, making it impossible to reach her, " he said.

The source disclosed that additional victims had continued to report to the SCID with similar complaints, bringing the total amount allegedly obtained by the suspect to an estimated N450 million.

"Part of the money allegedly obtained from the victims was used to construct a massive hotel, although the location of the property has yet to be disclosed.

"The investigation is being handled by the Anti-Fraud Section under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of SCID, Mr Dayo Akinbisehin.

"The suspect is cooperating with detectives handling the investigation and has made useful statements, " he said.

The source added that she would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

He urged members of the public to exercise caution when investing in real estate, advising prospective buyers to conduct proper due diligence by verifying land titles, company registration, and the credibility of developers before making payments.