The Lagos State Government has prosecuted and secured the conviction of Mr. Joseph Kola Bamigboye for impersonation and fraud.
In a statement by the by the Director, Public Affairs Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA),Adu Ademuyiwa he explained that he was arrested at No. 11 Adedipe Street, off Liasu Road, Council Bus Stop, Egbe-Idimu area of Lagos.
Mr. Bamigboye pleaded guilty to 2 count charges of falsely representing himself as an officer of LASBCA, an act deemed illegal and punishable under Section 380(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
According to him he was also convicted for fraudulently and unlawfully obtaining the sum of Twenty Thousand Naira (₦20,000) from Mr. Emmanuel Chibueze Oyida, a developer at the said address, by fraudulently posing as a LASBCA official.
This offense is in violation of Section 314(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
During the court proceedings, the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Peter Owalabani, presented evidence proving that the defendant had, on separate occasions, collected a total sum of One hundred Thousand Naira (₦100,000) from the complainant.
Further investigations revealed that Mr. Bamigboye was in possession of a fake Lagos State staff ID card, further confirming his fraudulent activities.
After a thorough trial, the court sentenced Mr. Joseph Kola Bamigboye to one (1) year and six (6) months imprisonment with no choice of fine.
The District Head of LASBCA for Egbe-ldimu, Engineer Mrs. Olorunshola Kafayat Omowunmi, was present in court as a witness. She stated that the Agency had received multiple complaints about impostors operating within the District.
She confirmed that after Mr. Emmanuel Chibueze reported the incident, it was verified that the defendant was not a LASBCA staff member and was prosecuted appropriately.
LASBCA General Manager, Gbolahan Oki assured that Lagos State Government remained committed to protecting residents against fraudulent activities and ensuring that all Building Regulations are enforced only by duly authorized officers.
He urged the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to LASBCA or relevant law enforcement agencies to curb the activities of impostors.
