The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned Barrister Benjamin Chukwuemeka Nwobodo before Justice F. O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court in Independence Layout, Enugu. Nwobodo faces a 20-count charge related to forgery, possession of forged documents, and obtaining money by false pretence amounting to N15.7 million.
Initially arraigned on January 27, 2025, on a five-count charge, the defendant pleaded "not guilty," setting the stage for trial. He was granted bail on self-cognizance. During the trial, the EFCC counsel, Chief Superintendent Chikezie Raymond Edozie, presented six witnesses and tendered several exhibits, all admitted as evidence.
Amended Charges and Court Warnings
On April 23, 2026, the prosecution informed the court of an amended charge, which was read to Nwobodo. He again pleaded "not guilty." The EFCC subsequently closed its case, and the matter was adjourned to April 30, 2026, for the defense to begin its presentation. Earlier, on March 4, 2026, the court issued a stern warning to Nwobodo for allegedly harassing and intimidating prosecution witnesses within and outside the court premises, threatening to revoke his bail if such behavior persisted.
Specific charges against Nwobodo include forging a land purchase receipt worth N9 million on January 15, 2014, and presenting another forged receipt valued at N5.5 million to one Ude Chinedu Emmanuel on April 25, 2014. These actions are punishable under the Miscellaneous Offence Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The defendant, representing himself, is expected to open his defense on April 30, 2026. This case underscores the EFCC's ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes and forgery in Nigeria, a concern for many citizens affected by land scams.
Stay updated on this case and other breaking news by following BenriNews on social media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
