Joseph Eriki, Director, Investigation and Prosecution of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), and one Boniface Agwu, have been arrested by the Nigerian police as a result of a bench warrant issued against them by Justice Suleiman Belgore of High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Garki Abuja.
Justice Belgore, had on May 27, 2025, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Eriki and others for them to appear in court for their arraignment on a 9-count charge bordering on alleged land grabbing.
Eriki and Agwu are being prosecuted by the Federal Government over allegation of criminal conspiracy, trespass and forgery of land dociments.
Others charged alongside the FCTA Director are Ikechukwu Kanu; Donatec Electrical Company Limited; Super Structure Limited; Weatherfield Engineering; Marine Service Limited; Asher Information Services Limited; Prince Isaac Omoluwa; Nwaimoneye Augustine Onyisi and Sarajo Aliyu, Ogbole Michael.
Specifically, the defendants were alleged to have unlawfully entered plot 461 – 470 and 486-496 belonging to Etha Ventures and put up structures with the intention of defrauding Etha Ventures.
In a bid to actualize their motive, the prosecution said the defendants secured a consent judgment in suit number FCT/HC/CV/240/2018, given the title of plot 1406 (461-470 and 486-496) Sabon Lugbe East Layout, Abuja to Super Structures Ltd.
When the matter came up on June 4, counsel for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 9th Defendants, C.S. Ekeocha and E.E. Apeh, had assured the trial judge that they will produce the defendants in court for them to enter their pleas.
The prosecutor, David Kaswe had told the court that the defendants were on administrative bail, and had been duly informed of the charges against them and that all efforts to bring them to court for arraignment had proved abortive.
The situation made Justice Belgore to restate his earlier order for the arrest of the defendants despite the promise given by some of the counsel.
Meanwhile, after four consecutive adjournments, the court has fixed October 30th for arraignment.
While waiting for the October 30, arraignment date, the Nigerian police have now arrested Mr Eriki and Mr Agwu in the FCT, who will be in custody till their arraignment.
(Independent)
