Businessman arraigned over alleged N85m property fraud

Usman Alhassan Bako, a 32-year-old businessman, was arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court in Life Camp, Abuja, on charges of criminal breach of trust, cheating, and criminal misappropriation involving a property transaction worth N85 million. According to the police, Bako falsely claimed to be the son of the owner of a five-bedroom duplex with boys' quarters at Brains and Hammers Estate, Life Camp. He then negotiated the sale of the property with the complainant, Isa Umar, of Phase 2, Site II, Kubwa.

The police report stated that Umar handed over N85 million to Bako via a Jaiz Bank account for the purpose of paying the property owner. However, Bako allegedly paid only N20 million to the property owner, keeping the remaining N50 million for himself without the owner's knowledge or consent. Later, Umar paid an additional N15 million directly to the property owner. The report was based on a complaint filed by Umar, which led to Bako's arrest and subsequent charging before the court.

Umar's complaint prompted Bako's arrest and his subsequent appearance in court. The magistrate, Ibrahim Jobbo, granted Bako bail in the amount of N500,000, with one surety in the same sum. The court adjourned the case until September 29, 2026, for further hearing.