The Federal Capital Territory High Court, located in Garki, Abuja, has taken a decisive step in a high-profile land fraud case by ordering the immediate arrest of Mr. Joseph Eriki, who serves as the Director of the Department of Investigation and Prosecution within the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). This order extends to several other individuals and companies implicated in a complex scheme involving the alleged illegal allocation and fraudulent occupation of land plots in the nation’s capital city.
The bench warrant was formally issued on Tuesday by Justice Suleiman Belgore, following a request made orally by Mr. David Kaswe, an Assistant Director representing the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). The defendants face a detailed nine-count amended charge, encompassing offenses of criminal conspiracy, unlawful entry (criminal trespass), and the forgery of official documents.
Overview of the Accused and Charges
The accused parties include individuals Boniface Agwu, Ikechukwu Kanu, Joseph Eriki himself, and Prince Isaac Omoluwa. In addition, several corporate entities are named: Super Structure Ltd, Bonatec Electrical Company Ltd, Weatherfield Engineering and Marine Service Limited, and Asher Information Services Ltd. These defendants stand accused of collaborating in a fraudulent plot to unlawfully seize possession of land parcels numbered 461-470 and 486-496, situated within the Sabon Lugbe East Layout of Abuja. The rightful owner of these lands is Etha Ventures Ltd., a legitimate property development company.
According to the prosecution, this alleged conspiracy took place over several years, between 2017 and 2019. During this period, the defendants are said to have entered the specified plots without lawful authority and constructed various buildings and structures on the land. The intent, as stated by the AGF, was to deceive Etha Ventures Ltd., and by extension, the courts and regulatory authorities, to unjustly acquire ownership and reap financial benefits from the properties.
This conduct, the AGF explained, violates Section 96 of the Penal Code Law 2009, which deals with criminal conspiracy, and Section 342 of the Penal Code Act 2004, which criminalizes unlawful trespass and occupation of property. Both statutes carry stringent penalties for offenders, including fines and imprisonment.
Allegations of Forgery and Fraudulent Judicial Proceedings
A central element of the prosecution’s case is the claim that the defendants managed to secure a deceitful consent judgment from the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. The suit in question, registered as FCT/HC/CV/240/2019, purportedly granted legal title over the disputed plots (461-470 and 486-496) to Super Structure Ltd. The prosecution alleges this judgment was obtained through forged and falsified documents, which were presented to the court as authentic.
Among the forged documents are said to be fraudulent land titles, ownership papers, and consent forms, which misrepresented the true ownership and encumbrances on the land. These fabrications enabled the accused to circumvent lawful procedures and gain illegal control of the properties.
Mr. Joseph Eriki, in his capacity as FCTA Director of Investigation and Prosecution, is accused of abusing his official position to facilitate and cover up the fraudulent activities of his co-defendants. The AGF alleges that Eriki used his authority within the FCTA to provide undue assistance, obstruct lawful investigations, and help the suspects in advancing their illegal claims to the land.
Judicial Proceedings and Courtroom Developments
During the Tuesday court session, the prosecution informed the court that the defendants failed to appear for their scheduled arraignment. Mr. Kaswe explained that the prosecution had made numerous attempts to notify the accused, including direct communications with their legal representatives and sureties who had previously guaranteed their appearance during police bail procedures. However, all efforts to secure the defendants’ attendance were unsuccessful.
Given these circumstances, Mr. Kaswe requested that the court employ its powers under Section 124 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) to issue bench warrants compelling the defendants’ appearance. He underscored the importance of adhering to the ACJA’s mandate for speedy trial and swift administration of justice.
Justice Suleiman Belgore, after considering the prosecution’s submission and the background of the case, approved the issuance of bench warrants for all the accused. The judge noted that the defendants had been released on police bail following initial investigations but had since failed to comply with court directives.
In issuing the warrants, the judge emphasized that this measure was necessary to uphold the rule of law and ensure that the accused face the charges leveled against them in a timely manner. He further stated that the warrants serve as the final recourse to compel their attendance and enable the court to proceed with the arraignment and subsequent trial.
Legal and Ethical Implications of the Case
The allegations against Mr. Eriki and his associates strike at the heart of governance and land administration within the Federal Capital Territory. Illegal land allocation and fraudulent encroachment not only cause financial losses to rightful landowners but also undermine public trust in government institutions responsible for land management and property regulation.
Forgery of official documents and manipulation of court judgments represent serious breaches of legal and ethical standards. Such acts threaten the integrity of the judiciary and damage investor confidence in real estate development within Abuja, a city with rapidly expanding urban infrastructure and high demand for land.
Furthermore, the involvement of a high-ranking government official like Mr. Eriki raises concerns about possible systemic corruption and abuse of power within the FCTA. This case highlights the need for stringent oversight, transparency, and accountability in public office to prevent the exploitation of administrative positions for personal or collusive gain.
The Road Ahead
Following the issuance of the bench warrants, the case has been adjourned to June 4, 2025, for formal arraignment. The court’s firm action demonstrates its resolve to expedite justice and hold all parties accountable.
If found guilty, the defendants face significant legal penalties, including potential imprisonment and heavy fines. The court’s determination to proceed without delay sends a strong message against fraudulent land dealings and corruption in the nation’s capital.
The outcome of this case will be closely watched by stakeholders in Abuja’s real estate sector, government agencies, and the wider public, as it may set important precedents for addressing land fraud and enhancing the rule of law in Nigeria’s rapidly developing capital city.
