The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrests Basil Iwoba Ochili, managing director of Debasilio Construction and Estate Development Limited, over an alleged ₦128 million land scam in Anambra State. The EFCC Enugu Zonal Directorate says the arrest follows a petition and concerns five plots of land allegedly sold to a buyer who later cannot take possession.
According to the accounts, the land is said to be beside Stamford Hotel near the Anambra State Secretariat at Aroma Junction in Awka. The petitioner reportedly pays ₦128 million into the company’s account after assurances of ownership, but the seller allegedly could not deliver the property. The EFCC also states preliminary findings suggest Ochili knew the land was part of the Anambra State Government Secretariat property while still offering it for sale. When the buyer seeks a refund, Ochili is alleged to issue two dud cheques, and investigators say some proceeds were used to settle personal debts. Both outlets report that Ochili will be charged to court after investigations are concluded and note that the company allegedly was not tax-compliant.
