The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has formally arraigned an Abuja-based real estate developer, Mrs. Godwin-Isaac Rebecca Omokamo, on allegations of involvement in a ₦500 million land fraud and associated money laundering offences.
Also identified as Bilkisu Ishaku Aliyu, Omokamo appeared on Wednesday before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where she faced two separate criminal charges.
She was arraigned alongside her husband, Isaac Yusuf Ishaku, their company, Homadil Realty Limited, one Idakwogi Richard John, and a second firm named Rychardo Homes Ltd.
Two Separate Charges Filed Against Defendants
The EFCC filed two distinct charge sheets against the defendants. The first charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/77/2025) contains five counts, while the second charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/76/25) consists of seventeen counts.
According to the anti-graft agency, the defendants are accused of illegally collecting over ₦500 million from various victims between 2023 and 2024. The funds were allegedly laundered through multiple company accounts linked to them.
Use of Forged Land Documents and False Claims
EFCC told the court that the accused used forged documents, including a fake Power of Attorney, to fraudulently claim ownership of Plot 4022, Guzape District, Abuja. These forged papers were allegedly used to obtain a building permit from the FCT Department of Development Control and later to sell the land for ₦70 million.
Additionally, the agency alleged that the group misrepresented ownership of Plots 1861, 1862, and 1863 in Cadastral Zone B07, Katampe District, Abuja. These false claims led several unsuspecting individuals to part with large sums of money under the belief that they were buying genuine property.
Fraud Against the Legal Owner
The prosecution further claimed that the defendants collaborated to falsely acquire Plot 4022, which actually belongs to one Mrs. Colleen Mero Yesufu. Fraudulent documents and deceitful representations were allegedly used in the process.
All these acts, according to the EFCC, violate Section 8(a) and are punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act of 2006.
Defendants Plead Not Guilty, Granted Bail
Appearing before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, all the defendants entered not guilty pleas to the charges against them.
Their legal representatives, Mr. Christopher Oshomegie, SAN, and Mr. Moses Ebute, SAN, successfully secured bail for their clients. The court granted bail in the amount of ₦10 million each, with two sureties per defendant.
Bail Conditions and Trial Adjournment
Justice Abdulmalik stipulated that each surety must be a civil servant not below grade level 16 and must submit salary evidence for the past three months. The sureties must also own property worth the bail amount and provide an affidavit of means.
The court further directed that the defendants submit their international passports and remain within the country, unless granted permission to travel.
Pending the fulfillment of their bail conditions, the accused persons will remain in custody.
The case has been adjourned to July 21 and 22 for trial. EFCC counsel, Mr. Samuel Chime, stated that the prosecution will present 13 witnesses during the proceedings.
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