EFCC Re-arraigns Lawyer for Alleged N15.7m Land Fraud in Enugu

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned a legal practitioner, Barrister Benjamin Chukwuemeka Nwobodo, before the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu, over an alleged N15.7 million land fraud.

Nwobodo was brought before Justice F. O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo on a 20-count charge bordering on forgery, possession of forged documents, and obtaining money under false pretence.

According to the anti-graft agency, the offences are connected to alleged fraudulent land transactions carried out within the court’s jurisdiction.

The EFCC, in a statement signed by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said the defendant is accused of obtaining a total of N15,700,000 through false representations involving land purchase documents.

The lawyer was initially arraigned on January 27, 2025, on a five-count charge, to which he pleaded not guilty. He was subsequently granted bail on self-recognition.

During the course of trial, the prosecution counsel, Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, Chikezie Raymond Edozie, called six witnesses and tendered several exhibits, all of which were admitted in evidence by the court.

When the matter came up on April 23, 2026, the prosecution informed the court of an amended charge. The new 20-count charge was read to the defendant, who again pleaded not guilty.

Following the development, the prosecution closed its case, while the court adjourned proceedings to April 30, 2026, for the defence to open its case.

One of the counts alleged that Nwobodo forged a land purchase receipt in the sum of N9 million, purportedly issued by one Onyekachi O. Nwocha and Christiana C. Nwocha, with intent to defraud, an offence said to be contrary to Section 1(2) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

Another count accused him of presenting a forged receipt of N5.5 million to one Ude Chinedu Emmanuel, also allegedly issued under false pretence by the same individuals.

The court had earlier, on March 4, 2026, issued a strong warning to the defendant over alleged interference with prosecution witnesses, including claims of harassment and intimidation within and outside the court premises. The judge warned that his bail could be revoked if such conduct persisted.

Nwobodo, who represented himself in court, is expected to open his defence on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

The EFCC said the case forms part of its ongoing efforts to tackle financial and property-related fraud across the country and ensure accountability in land transactions.