An Abuja High Court sitting in Garki has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Mr. Joseph Eriki, Director of Investigations and Prosecution at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), over his alleged involvement in a multi-billion naira land fraud.
Justice Suleiman Belgore made the order on Tuesday after Eriki failed to appear before the court to enter his plea in a nine-count criminal charge brought against him and 11 others by the Federal Government.
Other accused individuals include Boniface Agwu, Ikechukwu Kanu, Prince Isaac Omoluwa, Nwaimoneye Augustine Onyisi, Surajo Aliyu, Ogbole Michael, and five corporate entities: Super Structure Limited, Bonatec Electrical Company Limited, Weatherfield Engineering Marine Services Limited, and Asher Information Services Limited.
The prosecution alleges that between 2019 and 2024, the defendants conspired to defraud Etha Ventures Limited of several plots of land — specifically plots 461 to 470 and 486 to 496 — located in Sabon Lugbe, East Layout, Abuja.
Central to the allegations is the use of forged land documents, a violation of Section 366 of the Penal Code Act of 2009. Mr. Eriki is accused of falsifying information and submitting forged papers to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to legitimize the fraudulent land transactions.
Government lawyer David Kaswe informed the court that despite being on administrative bail, the defendants have refused to appear for their trial.
Citing Section 124 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, Kaswe requested the court to issue bench warrants to compel their attendance.
Justice Belgore agreed and ordered the arrest and presentation of all defendants at the next court date scheduled for June 4, 2025.
