Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested a suspect, Ifeanyi Mba, over his alleged involvement in a ₦10 million land fraud in Enugu State.
The arrest was carried out by officials of the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate following a petition from a victim who accused the suspect of selling him a piece of land under false pretences.
According to the commission, the petitioner claimed he paid the sum of ₦10 million to Mba for a plot of land located at Plot 677, Owo/Premier Layout in Ogui Nike community.
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However, the buyer later discovered that the land was already being developed by unknown individuals.
When the victim confronted the suspect over the development on the property, Mba reportedly claimed he had been informed that the land belonged to the government. Efforts by the petitioner to recover his money allegedly failed, as the suspect later became unreachable.
Preliminary investigations by the EFCC revealed that no layout bearing Plot 677 Owo/Premier exists within government-acquired land, noting that Owo Layout and Premier Layout are two separate layouts in the state.
The anti-graft agency said the suspect is currently in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The arrest forms part of the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on land fraud and other financial crimes across the country.
Authorities have also advised members of the public to properly verify land ownership and documentation before making payments to avoid falling victim to similar scams.
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