Six Suspects Nabbed by EFCC Over ₦6 Million Land Scam in Uyo

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested six men in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for their alleged involvement in a land fraud case that cost a victim the sum of ₦6 million. The suspects, believed to be members of a fraud syndicate, were picked up by operatives of the EFCC’s Uyo Zonal Directorate after thorough intelligence and investigation.

The arrested suspects are identified as Enobong Clement Etim (also known as Edet Nsem Udo), Iniakop Okot, Emmanuel Edet, Essien Edet Aniedi, Christopher Anthony, and Edwin Etim. According to EFCC officials, the men were taken into custody at different locations in Akwa Ibom following a detailed petition submitted by a victim, Mr. Aniekan Etukudo Koffi.

According to the petitioner, the trouble began in July 2025 when he was introduced to the prime suspect, Enobong Clement Etim, and his alleged accomplices. They reportedly claimed to have access to a prime piece of land located at Ifa Ikot Ubo, Ifa Ikot Okpon–Etoi in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The group presented themselves as landowners and took Mr. Koffi to the site for inspection. They allegedly showed him forged documents to convince him that the land was genuinely theirs to sell. Believing the documents and reassured by the syndicate’s confident display, the victim agreed to the deal.

Shortly after, Mr. Koffi made an initial transfer of ₦4 million into a UBA bank account belonging to the prime suspect, Enobong Clement Etim. He later completed the payment, making the total sum ₦6 million. It was only after the payment had been made that the victim realized he had been tricked, as the land in question did not belong to the suspects.

Preliminary investigations by the EFCC confirmed that the land was never owned by Enobong Clement Etim or any member of his group. The Commission also discovered that the documents presented to the victim were forged.

EFCC officials revealed that the suspects had carefully planned the fraudulent transaction, using fake identities and forged papers to deceive unsuspecting buyers. They also admitted that the investigation is still ongoing, as some accomplices are yet to be arrested.

“The suspects will soon be charged to court once investigations are concluded,” an EFCC officer stated. The Commission further assured that efforts are being made to recover the victim’s money.

The case highlights a growing concern in Akwa Ibom and across Nigeria about land-related fraud. Unsuspecting buyers are often tricked with forged land documents, leading to huge financial losses. Many victims, like Mr. Koffi, only realize too late that they have been deceived.

Land fraud has become a major challenge in Nigeria’s real estate sector. Fraudsters often exploit loopholes in land registration processes and the desperation of individuals seeking land for investment or personal use. Experts say buyers must always conduct thorough checks at the land registry, consult trusted lawyers, and avoid paying for property without official verification.

The EFCC has repeatedly warned Nigerians to be cautious when dealing with land transactions. The Commission advises that all payments should be backed by valid documents verified by government agencies. EFCC also encourages potential buyers to engage professionals, including surveyors and lawyers, before making financial commitments.

This latest arrest in Uyo shows the Commission’s determination to crack down on syndicates that specialize in land scams. By arresting and prosecuting offenders, EFCC aims to protect citizens from falling victim to such crimes and to discourage others from engaging in fraudulent practices.

While official statements focused on the suspects, sources close to the victim revealed that Mr. Koffi was devastated after discovering the fraud. He had reportedly planned to develop the land for business purposes, only to find himself out of ₦6 million.

For him, the arrest of the suspects brings some relief, but his biggest hope is that the EFCC can recover his funds. He also expressed worry that others may have fallen victim to the same syndicate in the past.

As of now, the six suspects remain in EFCC custody. They are expected to be charged to court in the coming weeks. Legal experts say they may face charges of conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, and forgery, crimes that carry heavy penalties under Nigerian law.

Meanwhile, the Commission is calling on members of the public who may have been defrauded by the suspects or similar gangs to come forward with complaints. Officials believe that shining a light on such cases will help curb the menace and ensure justice is served.

The arrest of the six suspects in Uyo is another reminder of the dangers of falling for land fraud schemes. It also shows the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to protect Nigerians from financial crimes. While the victim in this case hopes for recovery of his funds, the story sends a wider message: Nigerians must be vigilant, cautious, and thorough when engaging in property transactions.

As investigations continue and the case heads to court, the EFCC has promised that justice will be done and that fraudsters who prey on innocent citizens will not escape the law.