Alleged Land Fraud: Abuja Court issues arrest warrant for Wike-led FCTA Director, 10 Others

An Abuja High Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Joseph Eriki, the Director of Investigation and Prosecution at the Nyesom Wike-led Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), alongside 10 others, over their failure to appear in court for their arraignment.

Justice Suleiman Belgore granted the order following an application by prosecuting counsel, David Kaswe, who lamented that all efforts to get the suspects to appear in court had proved abortive.

Kaswe informed the court that several attempts had been made to reach the suspects’ lawyers and sureties, but none yielded results.

Citing Section 124 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), Kaswe requested a bench warrant to compel their appearance.

The court granted the request, issuing the warrant to ensure the suspects are brought before the court for arraignment on a six-count charge.

The Federal Government had, in February, filed charges against the suspects, including criminal conspiracy, criminal trespass, forgery, and presenting a forged document as genuine.

They also face allegations of using criminal force to obstruct a public servant from performing official duties.

According to the prosecution, the suspects unlawfully entered a plot of land owned by Etha Ventures, constructed structures without authorisation, and fraudulently obtained a consent judgment in favour of Super Structures Limited, allegedly to defraud the rightful owners.

Justice Belgore adjourned the matter to June 4 for arraignment, stressing the importance of accountability and a timely trial.

The court’s decision to issue a bench warrant underscores the gravity of the allegations and its resolve to ensure the suspects face justice.