EFCC arraigns Abuja real estate developers over N577m land fraud

Two real estate developers and their companies were today ducked by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
They are standing trials before the Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged N577 million land scam.
Dr. Rebecca Godwin-Isaac, also known as Bilkisu Ishaku Aliyu and CEO of Homadil Realty Ltd, and Idakwogi Richard John, CEO of Rychado Homes Ltd, were brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Wednesday.
They are facing a 17-count charge, including conspiracy, forgery, and obtaining money under false pretences.
The EFCC accused the duo of using forged documents for Plots 1861, 1862, and 1863 in Katampe District, Abuja, to fraudulently obtain large sums of money from unsuspecting buyers.
In one instance, they allegedly collected N62 million from a buyer after falsely claiming ownership of Plot 1862.
The charges were filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/76/2025. The prosecution said the offences violate sections of the Advance Fee Fraud and Money Laundering Acts.
All defendants pleaded not guilty. EFCC counsel Samuel Chime asked for a trial date, noting that prosecution witnesses are ready to testify. Defence lawyers, Christopher Oshomegie (SAN) and M.A. Ebute (SAN), requested bail, which the prosecution did not oppose.
Justice Abdulmalik granted bail of N10 million each to the defendants, with two sureties of the same amount.
The sureties must be Abuja-based Federal Civil Servants at Level 16 or higher, with valid proof of employment and means.
The court also ordered the first and third defendants to surrender their international passports.
Until their bail conditions are met, Dr. Godwin-Isaac will remain in Suleja Correctional Centre, while Idakwogi will be held at Kuje Correctional Centre.