The Director of Investigations and Prosecution at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Joseph Eriki, has refuted claims of evading justice in an ongoing land fraud case. Through his lead counsel, Elaigwu Apeh, Eriki stated that all necessary legal applications have been duly filed in accordance with the law.
The case, presided over by Justice Suleiman Belgore at the FCT High Court in Garki, involves allegations that Eriki and 11 others conspired between 2019 and 2024 to defraud Etha Ventures Limited of plots 461 to 470 and 486 to 496 in Sabon Lugbe East Layout, Abuja. The defendants are accused of using forged land documents, violating sections 366 and 364 of the Penal Code.
A bench warrant was issued for Eriki’s arrest after he failed to appear in court to enter a plea on the nine-count charge. However, Eriki’s counsel argued that proper service of the court process had not been effected, and applications have been made to set aside the bench warrant and stay proceedings until due process is followed.
Justice Belgore has scheduled the next hearing for June 23, 2025, directing that the defendants’ counsel ensure their clients’ presence in court to enter their pleas.
