BENIN CITY – Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Benin Zonal Directorate have arrested a 64-year-old man, Ndubisi John Iheukwumere, for allegedly defrauding a petitioner of N165 million in a land transaction involving 100 acres in Ewulu Kingdom, Delta State. The arrest, announced by the commission on December 2, 2025, followed a detailed petition alleging that Iheukwumere, in collaboration with a woman identified as Mrs. Salt Adaeze Udoka—now on the run—collected the money under the guise of selling the property.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale disclosed that the petitioner transferred the N165 million in two tranches as payment for the land. Trouble began when the buyer attempted to take possession and discovered that the suspect had no legal connection to the property and had impersonated the genuine owners. All efforts by the victim to verify the ownership exposed the fraudulent deal, prompting the petition to the EFCC.
Iheukwumere reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation. The EFCC stated that he will be charged in court as soon as investigations are concluded, while operatives continue efforts to track down Udoka and recover the funds.
The incident adds to a rising wave of land and property fraud cases across Edo and Delta States, where criminal syndicates exploit increasing demand for real estate. The Benin Zonal Directorate has recorded multiple convictions in 2025 alone, with losses amounting to more than N500 million, including a major September arrest involving suspects posing as Delta land bureau officials.
The EFCC has repeatedly advised members of the public to verify property transactions through official registries and avoid paying large sums without due diligence. Iheukwumere’s arraignment is expected at the Federal High Court in Benin next week.
