A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has fixed June 23, 2025, for the arraignment of the FCTA Director of Investigation and Prosecution, Joseph Eriki, and 10 others on a nine-count charge of alleged land grabbing.

The court set this date to allow defense lawyers sufficient time to produce their clients for trial after previous attempts to execute arrest warrants proved unsuccessful.

Prosecution Seeks More Time

During the resumed proceedings, prosecuting counsel David Kwase informed the court that efforts to execute the previously issued arrest warrants against the defendants had not yielded results. He requested additional time to ensure the defendants' arrest and appearance for arraignment.

C.S. Ekeocha, representing the 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 9th defendants, told the court they had filed two applications—one seeking to set aside the bench warrant and another for the defendants' bail.

Ekeocha explained that the defendants were absent because they had not been formally served with the charges prior to the bench warrant application. According to him, the defendants only became aware of the charges through media reports.

Court's Position

Presiding Judge Justice Suleiman Belgore noted that based on the defense counsel's submissions, the defendants were now aware of both the charges and the court order requiring their appearance.

"You should apply for enough time to bring your clients to court, not filing applications," Justice Belgore advised the defense team.

E.E. Apeh, counsel to the 3rd defendant, also informed the court they had filed two applications and requested an adjournment for these to be heard.

The defense lawyers assured the court they would ensure their clients' presence at the next hearing date for proper arraignment.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about land grabbing in the Federal Capital Territory, an issue that has affected numerous property owners and investors in recent years.