Mr. Joseph Eriki, Director of Investigations and Prosecution at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has denied allegations of evading justice in a land fraud case following the issuance of a bench warrant for his arrest by an Abuja High Court.
Appearing in court on Wednesday, Eriki’s legal counsel, Elaigwu Apeh, explained that two motions were filed: one to set aside the bench warrant and another to pause proceedings until proper court service procedures are completed. “We’ve made applications and are prepared to move forward with the legal process,” Apeh stated.
The warrant was initially issued after Eriki failed to appear to answer to a nine-count charge of conspiracy and fraud. He is one of 12 defendants accused of using forged documents to unlawfully acquire land plots in Sabon Lugbe, Abuja, between 2019 and 2024. The federal government claims the disputed property—Plots 461-470 and 486-496—was wrongfully taken from Etha Ventures Limited.
The charge includes alleged violations of Section 366 of the Penal Code, with penalties under Section 364, and the arrest warrant was granted under Section 124 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
Apeh emphasized that Eriki is not avoiding prosecution and has even filed a bail application, showing readiness to face trial. “We’ve made clear that the defendant will appear and cooperate fully. There’s no intention to delay the process,” he noted.
Justice Suleiman Belgore acknowledged the defence’s submissions but ordered all defendants to be present on the next hearing date, June 23, 2025, with proper applications submitted in advance.
The federal government maintains that the accused parties conspired to acquire high-value land through fraudulent means, a conviction for which could result in up to seven years in prison.
