Justice Suleiman Belgore of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Joseph Eriki, the Director of Investigation and Prosecution under the Nyesom Wike-led Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), along with ten others implicated in a land fraud case.
The warrant followed an application by David Kaswe, prosecuting counsel for the Federal Government, who expressed concern over the defendants’ repeated failure to appear in court despite numerous summons and notifications.
The accused are set to face arraignment on multiple charges, including advertisement, criminal conspiracy, criminal trespass, forgery, use of forged documents as genuine, criminal force to deter a public servant from duty, and fraudulent acquisition and misrepresentation of land ownership. Kaswe informed the court that the defendants deliberately evaded appearances despite efforts to notify their lawyers and sureties. Invoking Section 124 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), Kaswe urged the court to issue the bench warrant to compel their attendance.
At the heart of the case is a disputed plot of land allegedly owned by Etha Ventures. The suspects stand accused of erecting structures on the land without legal authorization. According to the prosecution, the defendants colluded to fraudulently obtain a consent judgment that transferred ownership of the land to Super Structures Limited, a company connected to the accused. The forged documents, presented as genuine, facilitated unlawful possession and development of the land, resulting in substantial financial loss to Etha Ventures.
Justice Belgore’s issuance of the bench warrant highlights the seriousness of the allegations and demonstrates the judiciary’s firm stance against impunity and abuse of office. The court stressed the urgency of bringing the suspects to trial, emphasizing that the matter involves the abuse of public trust and official capacity. Although the full names of the defendants were not disclosed during the court session, they are believed to be current or former officials linked to the FCTA and possibly associated with the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS).
The case has been adjourned until June 4, 2025, for arraignment. The court expects all defendants to appear for the formal reading of charges and the commencement of proceedings. Should the defendants continue to evade the court, law enforcement agencies have been authorized to arrest and bring them before the court on the adjourned date.
While there are no direct allegations implicating Minister Nyesom Wike, the involvement of a senior official from his administration in this high-profile case raises questions about internal oversight and anti-corruption safeguards within the FCTA.
Observers suggest the case could serve as a test of the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, especially amid increasing public scrutiny over land administration in the FCT.
