By Stephen Simon
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to produce an Abuja-based estate agent, Rebecca Omokamo, in court for the continuation of her trial over alleged land fraud, forgery and money laundering after she failed to appear for the resumed hearing of the case.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the order following an application by counsel to the EFCC, Benedict Ubi, who informed the court that the first defendant had failed to honour the court proceedings. The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until July 23 for continuation of trial.
Omokamo is standing trial alongside Homadil Realty Limited, Idakwogi Richard John and Rychado Homes Limited on charges bordering on alleged land fraud, forgery and money laundering. The EFCC alleged that the defendants fraudulently sold disputed plots of land to unsuspecting buyers using forged title documents.
During the proceedings, defence counsel, Christopher Oshomeghie (SAN), argued that his client had remained indoors for about 23 days because armed EFCC operatives had laid siege to her residence in Abuja, making her afraid to leave her home and attend court.
However, the prosecution rejected the claim, insisting that the defendant had merely placed herself under what it described as a “self-imposed house arrest” following an interim forfeiture order issued by the court in respect of the disputed property. The EFCC maintained that nothing prevented her from appearing before the court.
The anti-graft agency alleged that between 2023 and 2024, the defendants obtained more than ₦500 million from prospective land buyers through fraudulent transactions involving plots in Guzape and Katampe districts of the Federal Capital Territory. Some of the properties were allegedly supported by forged powers of attorney and other falsified documents.
The trial is expected to continue with the presentation of additional witnesses and documentary evidence as the court seeks to determine the allegations against the defendants. The case is one of several ongoing prosecutions by the EFCC involving alleged real estate fraud in the Federal Capital Territory.
