EFCC Arrests Lawyer in Enugu Over Alleged N12 Million Land Fraud

Enugu Lawyer Nabbed by EFCC for Suspected N12 Million Land Scam

On January 28, 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Barrister Benjamin Chukwuemeka Nwobodo before Justice F.O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court in Enugu State. Nwobodo faces a five-count charge of forgery and obtaining by false pretence, amounting to N12 million. The charges allege that on January 15, 2014, he fraudulently obtained N9 million from Wilson Ikeani Igwe under the false pretence of selling three plots of land in Emene, Enugu State.

Another charge accuses him of obtaining N3 million on December 15, 2014, from the same individual for the sale of one plot of land in Emene. These alleged actions violate Section 1 of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, and are punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.

Nwobodo pleaded not guilty to the charges. The EFCC’s counsel, CSE Chikezie Raymond Edozie, requested a trial date and the defendant’s remand at the Enugu State Correctional Facility. Nwobodo, representing himself, made an oral bail application, which was granted under stringent conditions.

He is required to provide two sureties with N25 million each; one must own landed property in the Enugu metropolis, and the second must be a blood relative with three years’ tax clearance. Both sureties must submit affidavits of means, and the EFCC must verify their details within seven days.

Additionally, Nwobodo is to surrender his international passport to the Deputy Court Registrar to ensure his presence in the country throughout his trial. Justice Giwa-Ogunbanjo allowed Nwobodo to leave on self-recognizance but stipulated that he must meet the bail conditions within 10 days or face arrest and remand. The trial is scheduled for May 13 and 14, 2025.