Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned a legal practitioner, Barrister Benjamin Chukwuemeka Nwobodo, before Justice F. O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu, on a 20-count charge bordering on forgery, possession of forged documents, and obtaining by false pretense amounting to N15,700,000 (Fifteen Million, Seven Hundred Thousand Naira). Nwobodo was initially arraigned on January 27, 2025, on a five-count charge before the same court and pleaded not guilty. He was granted bail on self-cognizance. However, following the emergence of fresh evidence, the prosecution amended the charge to 20 counts, leading to the re-arraignment on April 23, 2026, to which the defendant again pleaded not guilty.
The case has a troubled procedural history. During the course of the trial, the prosecution counsel, Chief Superintendent of the EFCC (CSE) Chikezie Raymond Edozie, presented six witnesses and tendered several exhibits, all of which were admitted in evidence. The prosecution alleges that Nwobodo engaged in a scheme to defraud multiple victims by presenting forged land purchase receipts and other documents as genuine. According to the charge sheet, the alleged offences occurred between 2014 and 2015, when the defendant purportedly issued forged receipts and used them to obtain money under false pretences. On March 4, 2026, the court issued a strong warning against Nwobodo for what it described as constant interference with prosecution witnesses. The judge noted that the defendant had been harassing and intimidating witnesses within and outside the court premises and threatened to revoke his bail if such reports continued. The warning was a rare and pointed admonition from the bench, underscoring the court’s growing impatience with what it perceived as an attempt to subvert the judicial process.
Count one of the charge reads: “That you, Benjamin Chukwuemeka Nwobodo on or about the 15th day of January, 2014 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud, forged a land purchase receipt in the sum of Nine million Naira (N9,000,000.00) dated 15th day of January 2014 purportedly issued by one Onyekachi O. Nwocha and Christiana C. Nwocha, thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1 (2) of the Miscellaneous Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004”. Count seven of the charge reads: “That you, Benjamin Chukwuemeka Nwobodo on or about 25th day of April, 2014 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud, did present a forged land purchase receipt in the sum of Five million, Five hundred Thousand Naira (N5,500,000.00) to one Ude Chinedu Emmanuel purportedly issued by Onyekachukwu O. Nwocha and Christiana C. Nwocha and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1 (2) of the Miscellaneous Offence Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004”. The remaining 18 counts follow similar patterns of alleged forgery and presentation of false documents to unsuspecting victims, leading to significant financial losses.
Land fraud is a growing category of economic crime in Nigeria, often involving layers of forged documents, impersonation of landowners, and the exploitation of gaps in the land registry system. The EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate has, in recent years, intensified its focus on such cases, recognizing that land disputes and fraudulent sales have not only caused financial ruin for many families but also fuelled violent conflicts in communities across the South‑East. The case of Barrister Nwobodo, a legal practitioner who is expected to uphold the sanctity of documents and the rule of law, is particularly troubling for the commission.
After the prosecution closed its case on April 23, the matter was adjourned to April 30, 2026, for the defence to open its case. Nwobodo, who announced appearance for himself, is now expected to present his defence. Legal observers note that the defendant’s strategy will be crucial. If he fails to provide credible evidence to counter the prosecution’s case, the court could proceed to a judgment of no case submission or call on him to enter a full defence. The threat of revocation of bail still hangs over him, and any further incident of witness intimidation could lead to his immediate return to custody. The EFCC has indicated that it has assembled a strong body of documentary and testimonial evidence, including certified true copies of land documents, bank statements, and the testimony of the alleged victims.
The case has drawn the attention of the Enugu branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which has been monitoring the proceedings. In a statement issued earlier in the week, the branch reiterated its commitment to upholding the ethics of the profession and urged its members to avoid conduct that could bring the bar into disrepute. The branch did not comment on the specific allegations against Nwobodo but noted that it would take appropriate action if the EFCC’s case is proven.
The outcome of the case will be closely watched, not only by the legal community but also by the general public, which has grown increasingly critical of professionals who abuse their positions for personal gain. As the defence prepares to open its case, the court has assured all parties that the trial will proceed without further delay and that any attempt to obstruct justice will be met with firm sanctions.
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