EFCC Re-Arraigns Lawyer Over Alleged ₦15.7m Land Fraud in Enugu

Enugu, Nigeria,Tuesday, April 29, 2026

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 alleged land fraud involving ₦15.7 million.

The defendant is facing a 20-count charge bordering on forgery, possession of forged documents, and obtaining by false pretence.

Nwobodo was initially arraigned on January 27, 2025, on a five-count charge, to which he pleaded not guilty, setting the stage for trial. He was granted bail on self-recognisance.

During the proceedings, the EFCC presented six witnesses and tendered several exhibits, all of which were admitted in evidence by the court.

At the resumed hearing on April 23, 2026, the prosecution informed the court of an amended charge, which was read to the defendant, who again pleaded not guilty. The prosecution thereafter closed its case, with the matter adjourned for the defence to open its case.

The court had earlier, on March 4, 2026, warned the defendant against alleged interference with prosecution witnesses, including harassment and intimidation, cautioning that his bail could be revoked if such conduct persisted.

In one of the counts, the EFCC alleged that the defendant forged a land purchase receipt dated January 15, 2014, while another count accused him of presenting a forged receipt for ₦5.5 million to a buyer in April 2014.

The defendant, who is representing himself in court, is expected to open his defence on Thursday, April 30, 2026.