The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested Basil Iwoba Ochili, Managing Director of Debasilio Construction and Estate Development Limited, over an alleged N128 million land scam in Anambra State.
The EFCC Enugu Zonal Directorate said Ochili was arrested following a petition accusing him of falsely claiming ownership of five plots of land beside Stamford Hotel, near the Anambra State Secretariat at Aroma Junction, Awka.
According to the commission, the petitioner paid N128 million into Ochili’s company account after relying on his claim but was unable to take possession of the land.
The EFCC said preliminary investigations showed that Ochili allegedly knew the property was part of the Anambra State Government Secretariat’s land but still offered it for sale.
“Instead of refunding the petitioner’s money, the suspect offered him two dud cheques,” the commission stated.
The agency further alleged that Ochili used part of the money to settle debts, while his company had never been tax-compliant.
The suspect will be charged to court after investigations are concluded, the EFCC said.