A federal court judge ordered police to arrest 12 people accused of stealing land in Abuja. The suspects failed to show up for their trial on fraud charges. Justice Suleiman Belgore signed the arrest warrant after the defendants skipped court. Government lawyers said they could not find the accused at their home addresses. Security forces must now hunt down the suspects across Nigeria.
Joseph Eriki works as a director for the federal territory government. He faces charges along with several business owners and companies. The group allegedly took over land that belonged to the Etha Ventures company. They built structures on plots 461-470 and 486-496 without permission. Court papers say they forged documents to claim ownership of the property.
Some defendants also attacked police officers who tried to enforce a court order. They threw stones at the officers and blocked them from doing their jobs. The suspects created fake court papers to steal the valuable Abuja land. Prosecutors say they have strong evidence against all 12 defendants. The court will hear the case on June 4 if police catch the suspects.
Joseph Eriki works as a director for the federal territory government. He faces charges along with several business owners and companies. The group allegedly took over land that belonged to the Etha Ventures company. They built structures on plots 461-470 and 486-496 without permission. Court papers say they forged documents to claim ownership of the property.
Some defendants also attacked police officers who tried to enforce a court order. They threw stones at the officers and blocked them from doing their jobs. The suspects created fake court papers to steal the valuable Abuja land. Prosecutors say they have strong evidence against all 12 defendants. The court will hear the case on June 4 if police catch the suspects.
