The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned a legal practitioner, Benjamin Chukwuemeka Nwobodo, before the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu, over an alleged ₦15.7 million land fraud.
Nwobodo was brought before Justice Giwa-Ogunbanjo on a 20-count amended charge bordering on forgery, possession of forged documents, and obtaining money by false pretence. The anti-graft agency alleges that the offences involve a total sum of ₦15,700,000.
The defendant was initially arraigned on January 27, 2025, on a five-count charge before the same court, where he pleaded not guilty. Following his plea, the court granted him bail on self-recognition, paving the way for the commencement of trial proceedings.
During the trial, EFCC counsel, Chief Superintendent Chikezie Raymond Edozie, presented six witnesses and tendered multiple exhibits, all of which were admitted as evidence by the court. At the resumed hearing on April 23, 2026, the prosecution notified the court of an amended charge, which was subsequently read to the defendant. Nwobodo again pleaded not guilty.
Following the development, the prosecution closed its case, and the court adjourned proceedings to April 30, 2026, for the defence to open its case. Earlier in the trial, on March 4, 2026, the court issued a stern warning to the defendant over allegations of harassment and intimidation of prosecution witnesses both within and outside the courtroom.
