Two Men Arraigned Over Alleged N6.2m Property Fraud In Abia

Two men, Anayo David and Chibuzor David, have been arraigned before the Abia State High Court in Umuahia for allegedly defrauding a businessman, Okpara Ndukaku, of N6.2 million in a property transaction.

The defendants were arraigned on Thursday on a three-count charge of conspiracy, advance fee fraud and threat to life. They both pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail by the court.

According to the charge, the defendants and others said to be at large allegedly conspired between August and September 2023 to commit advance fee fraud at Umueze Alala Ibeku, in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.

The prosecution alleged that they obtained ₦6.2 million from Ndukaku under false pretences, contrary to Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

The third count accused Chibuzor and others at large of threatening to kill Ndukaku between September and December 2023.

In his witness statement on oath, Ndukaku said he agreed to purchase properties from the defendants after they approached him about selling their houses.

He said he paid a total of ₦6.2 million through bank transfers to accounts provided by the first defendant and cash payments. According to him, the defendants subsequently signed a Power of Attorney documenting the transaction.

Ndukaku alleged that despite completing the payment, the defendants refused to vacate the property as agreed.

He further alleged that the second defendant threatened to kill him if he attempted to enter the house.

The businessman said he reported the matter to the police at the Central Police Station, Umuahia, after his attempts to recover his money or take possession of the property failed.

Following the defendants’ pleas, their counsel applied for bail, which the court granted.