The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested the Managing Director of Debasilio Construction and Estate Development Limited, Basil Iwoba Ochili, over an alleged N128 million land fraud. In a post on X, the EFCC said Ochili was arrested by operatives of its Enugu Zonal Directorate over allegations that……
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested the Managing Director of Debasilio Construction and Estate Development Limited, Basil Iwoba Ochili, over an alleged N128 million land fraud.
In a post on X, the EFCC said Ochili was arrested by operatives of its Enugu Zonal Directorate over allegations that he used his company to carry out fraudulent activities, including obtaining money by false pretence.
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The EFCC said the arrest followed a petition alleging that Ochili, sometime in September 2022, falsely presented himself as the owner of five plots of land located beside the Anambra State Secretariat, by Stamford Hotel, Aroma Junction, Awka.
According to the commission, the petitioner relied on the representation and purchased the five plots for N128 million, with the money paid into the suspect’s company account.
The petitioner, however, was allegedly unable to take possession of the property.
“Preliminary investigations showed that the suspect knew that the said land encroached on Anambra State Government Secretariat’s land but went further to sell the same to the petitioner,” the EFCC said.
The commission added that rather than refund the money, Ochili allegedly issued the petitioner two dud cheques.
Further investigations, according to the EFCC, showed that the suspect allegedly used part of the money to settle personal debts.
The commission also said Debasilio Construction and Estate Development Limited had never been tax compliant.
The EFCC said Ochili would be charged to court after the completion of investigations.
