The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has issued bench warrants for the arrest of Joseph Eriki and 11 other suspects over allegations of land grabbing and related offenses.

Justice Suleiman Belgore issued the order on Tuesday after the suspects failed to appear in court for their scheduled arraignment on a 9-count charge filed by the federal government.

The suspects face serious allegations including criminal conspiracy, criminal trespass, forgery, using forged documents, criminal force to deter public servants from duty, wrongful restraint, and causing hurt.

During Tuesday's proceedings, the federal government's legal representative, Mr. David Kaswe, informed the court that the defendants had been granted administrative bail and were duly notified of the charges against them. However, all efforts to bring them to court proved futile as none could be located at their provided addresses.

"The defendants were on administrative bail and had been duly informed of the charges against them. Unfortunately, all efforts to bring them to court have been unsuccessful, as none of the defendants could be located at the addresses they provided," Kaswe stated.

Citing Section 124 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, the prosecution applied for bench warrants as a last resort to compel the defendants' attendance in court.

Justice Belgore granted the application, ordering security agencies to arrest the suspects wherever they may be found within Nigeria and produce them before the court to face trial on the land grabbing charges.

The court has fixed June 4, 2025, as the date for the prosecution to produce the defendants for their arraignment.

Land grabbing remains a persistent issue in the Federal Capital Territory, with authorities intensifying efforts to curb illegal acquisition and documentation of properties within the nation's capital.