The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a woman and her daughter-in-law in Port Harcourt for their involvement in an alleged N6 million land fraud. The arraignment took place on Tuesday, highlighting the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes and fraud in Nigeria.
According to the EFCC, the defendants, whose names have not been disclosed, were charged with multiple counts of fraud related to a fraudulent land transaction. The commission alleges that the two women conspired to deceive a prospective land buyer by falsely claiming ownership of a piece of land and subsequently collecting N6 million from the victim under false pretenses.
The investigation revealed that the duo used forged documents to facilitate the fraudulent sale, leading the victim to believe the transaction was legitimate. The EFCC’s intervention came after the victim reported the scam, prompting a thorough investigation that culminated in the arraignment.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution presented evidence including bank statements, forged documents, and testimonies from witnesses to substantiate the charges against the accused.
READ ALSO: EFCC Begins Investigation on Alleged N2.5 Billion Fraud Against Kwankwaso
The court heard that the fraudulent activity not only resulted in significant financial loss for the victim but also caused emotional distress and mistrust within the community.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges and were subsequently granted bail under strict conditions. The court set a future date for the trial, where both sides will present their full cases.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice is served and warned the public to exercise caution when engaging in land transactions. The commission urged individuals to verify the authenticity of property documents and the credibility of sellers to avoid falling victim to such scams.
The case has drawn significant attention in Port Harcourt and beyond, highlighting the prevalence of land fraud in Nigeria and the need for vigilant regulatory oversight. The EFCC’s actions underscore its dedication to protecting citizens from financial crimes and maintaining integrity in real estate transactions.
