The Nigeria Police have arrested Mr. Joseph Eriki, the Director of Investigation and Prosecution at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), over allegations of forgery and criminal conspiracy related to a land fraud case.
Eriki, alongside Mr. Boniface Agwu, was taken into custody following a bench warrant issued by Justice Suleiman Belgore of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Garki Division. The arrest was made in line with the court order dated May 27, 2025, after the defendants failed to appear in court for arraignment on multiple occasions.
The defendants face a 9-count charge filed by the federal government, including criminal conspiracy, trespass, and forgery linked to an alleged land-grabbing scheme in Abuja. Other accused persons remain at large as the case proceeds.
According to court documents, Eriki and others unlawfully entered and developed plots numbered 461-470 and 486-496 in Sabon Lugbe East Layout, Abuja, properties owned by Etha Ventures. The prosecution alleges the defendants fraudulently secured a consent judgment that wrongfully transferred the land title to Super Structures Limited.
Prosecutor David Kaswe informed the court that the defendants had been on administrative bail and had been properly notified of the charges. However, they repeatedly failed to appear in court despite efforts by law enforcement to ensure their attendance.
After four adjournments, the court set October 30, 2025, as the date for their formal arraignment. Mr. Eriki and Mr. Agwu remain in police custody ahead of the hearing.
Other defendants include Ikechukwu Kanu, Donatec Electrical Company Limited, Weatherfield Engineering, Marine Service Limited, Asher Information Services Limited, Prince Isaac Omoluwa, Nwaimoneye Augustine Onyisi, Sarajo Aliyu, and Ogbole Michael.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about land fraud and corruption in Abuja, where disputes over property titles and illegal land acquisition have been a major challenge to urban development and governance.
