The police have arrested Joseph Eriki, Director of Investigation and Prosecution at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in connection with an alleged land fraud scheme.
Eriki was apprehended alongside Boniface Agwu. Both are currently in custody pending their arraignment on charges of criminal conspiracy, criminal trespass, and forgery. Authorities report that several other suspects remain at large.
The two were charged along with Ikechukwu Kanu; Donatec Electrical Company Limited; Super Structure Limited; Weatherfield Engineering; Marine Service Limited; Asher Information Services Limited; Prince Isaac Omoluwa; Nwaimoneye Augustine Onyisi; and Sarajo Aliyu Ogbole Michael.
According to prosecutors, the defendants allegedly trespassed on Plots 461–470 and 486–496—properties legally owned by Etha Ventures—and erected structures as part of a scheme to defraud the company.
To facilitate the scheme, the accused are said to have fraudulently obtained a consent judgment in suit number FCT/HC/CV/240/2018, which transferred the title of Plot 1406 (covering Plots 461–470 and 486–496) in Sabon Lugbe East Layout, Abuja, to Super Structure Limited.
On May 27, Justice Suleiman Belgore of the FCT High Court in Garki issued a bench warrant for the defendants’ arrest after they failed to appear in court for arraignment on a nine-count charge related to land grabbing.
Prosecuting counsel David Kaswe informed the court that the defendants had previously been granted administrative bail and were aware of the charges. However, all attempts to secure their appearance in court had failed.
On June 4, defence counsels C.S. Ekeocha and E.E. Apeh pledged to present their clients in court, but Justice Belgore reaffirmed the arrest order, citing continued non-compliance despite repeated assurances.
Following four adjournments, the court has now scheduled October 30 for the defendants’ definite arraignment.
