Man Arraigned for Alleged N16m Land Fraud in Enugu

The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, December 9, 2021 arraigned one Christian Okonkwo Aniagu before Justice I. M Buba of the Federal High Court Sitting In Enugu, on a three count charge bordering on obtaining N16m ( Sixteen Million Naira) by false pretence.

He allegedly sold plots of land purportedly located at Ugwuaji to one Emmanuel Chukwu Ejiofor who later discovered that, the land in question does not exist. And, all attempts to retrieve his money from the defendant proved abortive.

One of the charges against the defendant reads, “that you CHRISTIAN OKONKWO ANIAGU on or about the 11th day of June,2020 in Enugu, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court by false pretence and with intent to defraud, obtained from VIRGINIA EGO CHUKWU, the sum of Eleven Million (N11,000,000.00) paid through your account number 6237061730, domiciled in Fidelity Bank Plc, as final payment for a piece of land comprising plots 272,273,274,275,276 and 277 respectively, situated at Umunnugwu/Ndiaga Layout, Ugwuaji Awkunanaw, Enugu, under the pretext that the said land belongs to you ,and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act”.

The defendant pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him.

Justice Buba granted him bail in the sum of Twenty Million Naira and a surety in like sum. The surety must have landed properties in Enugu and must swear to an affidavit of means. He is also to deposit his passport photograph with the court.

The case was adjourned till February 10, 2022 for hearing.