During the tense encounter at Papara Park, a 17th-minute goal by Kristoffer Zachariassen secured a narrow 1-0 win for the Hungarian champions. Nwaiwu was dismissed in the closing stages, forcing the Turkish side to finish the match with ten men.

The 23-year-old defender will miss the crucial second leg at the Ferencváros Stadion as Trabzonspor attempts to overturn the one-goal deficit. Additionally, if the club successfully advances past the playoffs, Nwaiwu will sit out their opening match of the tournament’s league phase.

Since arriving from Austrian club Wolfsberger AC in January, Nwaiwu has quickly established himself as a key figure in the Black Sea Storm squad, making two league appearances this season. His absence presents a significant defensive challenge for Trabzonspor as they fight to keep their European campaign alive in Budapest.

According to a statement released in Ibadan on Wednesday by EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the case stems from a relationship that began on an Islamic WhatsApp educational platform where both Oyepeju and the victim, Fasasi Bayonle, served as tutors. Bayonle, an Islamic cleric based in Dubai, eventually fell victim to a severe betrayal of trust.

From Benefactor to Alleged Victim

Investigations revealed that the saga began in 2018 when Oyepeju approached Bayonle seeking financial assistance for accommodation after getting married. Rather than a cash handout, Bayonle permitted Oyepeju to temporarily move into his vacant property located at the Ikumapayi area of Olodo, Ibadan, before relocating to the UAE.

Authorities stated that Oyepeju, posing as a property developer, subsequently convinced Bayonle to fund land purchases and housing construction projects in Ibadan, transferring a total of ₦8,697,900 between February and August 2020. However, the arrangement turned sour when Oyepeju allegedly forged a “Transfer of Agreement,” sold the very house he was given to live in for free to companies linked to him, and converted the proceeds. Investigators also discovered that he never purchased or developed the promised land.

Court Proceedings and Remand

Appearing before Justice Olusola Adetujoye, Oyepeju pleaded not guilty to all charges. Following his plea, prosecuting counsel Sanusi Galadanchi requested a trial date and asked that the defendant be remanded. Meanwhile, defense counsel B. Ajibola informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served.

Justice Adetujoye adjourned the proceedings for the hearing of the bail application and ordered that Oyepeju be remanded at the Agodi Correctional Centre, Ibadan, pending the next court date.