Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested Basil Iwoba Ochili, the Managing Director of Debasilio Construction and Estate Development Limited, for allegedly using the company to perpetrate fraudulent activities, including obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N128 million. Ochili was arrested following a petition alleging that sometime in September 2022, he falsely presented himself as the owner of five plots of land situated beside the Anambra State Secretariat, by Stamford Hotel, Aroma Junction, Awka, Anambra State, and offered the same for sale.
According to the petitioner, relying on the suspect's representation, he purchased the plots for N128 million, which was paid into the suspect's company account. However, he was unable to take possession of the land. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect knew the land encroached on the Anambra State Government Secretariat's land but went ahead to sell it to the petitioner. Instead of refunding the petitioner's money, the suspect allegedly offered him two dud cheques. Further investigations showed that the suspect used part of the money to settle his debts, and his company, Debasilio Construction and Estate Development Limited, has never been tax compliant.
The suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to tackling land fraud and other forms of economic and financial crimes across the country. The commission has repeatedly warned members of the public to exercise due diligence when engaging in land transactions, advising buyers to verify land titles through the relevant authorities before parting with their money. The arrest of Ochili is part of the EFCC's ongoing efforts to rid the South-East of fraudulent land schemes that have defrauded countless Nigerians of their hard-earned savings.
The case highlights the growing menace of land fraud in Anambra State, where the demand for land has created fertile ground for criminal networks to exploit unsuspecting buyers. The suspect's alleged use of forged documents, false claims of ownership and dud cheques is a familiar pattern in land scams across the country. The EFCC's decision to prosecute Ochili and his company signals a determination to pursue all actors in fraudulent land transactions, including corporate entities that facilitate or benefit from such crimes. As the investigation continues, the petitioner and other victims of the alleged scam await the outcome of the legal process, hoping that justice will be served and that they will recover their losses.
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