By Seun Ibiyemi
Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested the Managing Director of Debasilio Construction and Estate Development Limited, Basil Iwoba Ochili, over alleged fraud involving N128 million.
The EFCC said Ochili was arrested following a petition alleging that he obtained the money from a land buyer through false pretences.
According to the anti-graft agency, the suspect allegedly presented himself in September 2022 as the owner of five plots of land located beside the Anambra State Secretariat, by Stamford Hotel, Aroma Junction, Awka.
The EFCC alleged that Ochili offered the five plots for sale to the petitioner, who, relying on his representation, paid N128 million into the suspect’s company account.
However, the petitioner was allegedly unable to take possession of the property after completing payment.
Preliminary investigations by the EFCC reportedly showed that Ochili knew that the land encroached on the Anambra State Government Secretariat’s property before allegedly offering it for sale.
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The commission said that rather than refund the N128 million paid by the petitioner, the suspect allegedly issued two dud cheques.
Further investigations, according to the EFCC, revealed that Ochili allegedly used part of the money to settle personal debts.
The commission also alleged that Debasilio Construction and Estate Development Limited had never been tax compliant.
The EFCC said Ochili would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
