Court Sets June 23 for Trial of FCTA Director, 11 Others in Abuja Land Fraud Case
An Abuja High Court sitting in Garki has fixed June 23 for the arraignment of Joseph Eriki, Director of Investigations and Prosecution at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), over his alleged role in a high-profile land fraud case.
Mr. Eriki is among a group of individuals accused of conspiring to fraudulently acquire multiple land plots in the Sabon Lugbe East Layout area of Abuja, using forged documents.
The other defendants include Boniface Agwu, Ikechukwu Kanu, Prince Isaac Omoluwa, Nwaimoneye Augustine Onyisi, Surajo Aliyu, and Ogbole Michael, along with five corporate entities: Super Structure Limited, Bonatec Electrical Company Limited, Weatherfield Engineering Marine Services Limited, and Asher Information Services Limited.
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Justice Suleiman Belgore said the new date will give the Federal Government time to enforce a bench warrant issued on May 27 for the arrest and production of all the accused persons, who failed to appear in court.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, prosecuting counsel David Kaswe informed the court that all efforts to apprehend the suspects had so far been unsuccessful. He requested more time to allow security agencies to carry out the arrest order.
Although absent in court, the defendants were represented by lawyers. C.S. Ekeocha, counsel to four of the accused, argued that his clients were not served court papers before the bench warrant was issued. He filed motions to nullify the warrant and secure bail for his clients post-arraignment.
Another defence lawyer, E.E. Apeh, representing the third defendant, also filed similar motions and asked the court to consider them before proceeding further.
The prosecution opposed these requests, asserting that the defendants were intentionally avoiding justice.
In a brief ruling, Justice Belgore said the defence’s arguments confirmed that the defendants were aware of the charges and the court order. He directed all defence lawyers to ensure their clients are present in court on June 23 to formally enter their plea.
The Federal Government is accusing the defendants of fraudulently acquiring plots 461–470 and 486–496 in Sabon Lugbe between 2019 and 2024. The charges include conspiracy and the use of forged land documents, allegedly submitted to the office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
The offences are said to violate Sections 366 and 364 of the Penal Code Act of 2009, which deal with forgery and fraud-related crimes.
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