The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the managing director of Debasilio Construction and Estate Development Limited, Basil Iwoba Ochili, over a N128 million land fraud in Anambra state, the commission said on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
The EFCC said Ochili was arrested by operatives of its Enugu Zonal directorate following a petition claiming that he used his company to obtain money by false pretence.
According to the commission, Ochili presented himself as the owner of five plots of land located beside the Anambra state secretariat, by Stamford Hotel, Aroma Junction, Awka, in September 2022.
The petitioner reportedly relied on the representation and purchased the five plots for N128 million, with the money paid into Ochili’s company account.
However, the petitioner was unable to take possession of the property.
The EFCC said preliminary investigations showed that Ochili knew the land encroached on the Anambra state government secretariat’s property but proceeded to sell it.
The commission further stated that instead of refunding the money, Ochili issued the petitioner two dud cheques.
Further investigations also showed that the suspect used part of the money to settle personal debts, according to the EFCC.
The commission added that Debasilio Construction and Estate Development Limited had not been tax compliant.
The EFCC said Ochili would be charged to court after the completion of investigations.
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