Court Jails Kaduna Man For Land Scam, Orders N1.55m Repayment

A Kaduna State High Court has sentenced one Abdullahi Haladu to five years in prison for defrauding a land buyer of N1.55 million, also directing him to pay back the full amount to the victim.

Justice Darius Khobo delivered the ruling on Friday after Haladu was found guilty on an amended three-count charge of conspiracy and cheating brought against him by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to the EFCC, Haladu and his accomplice, Kabiru Liman—who had already been convicted—posed as owners of a parcel of land measuring 105 by 45 feet located at Mangoron Agwai, Sabon Gari Malalin Gabas, Kaduna.

In April 2021, they fraudulently sold the land to Malam Sani Isyak for N1.55 million, even drafting and signing a fake sales agreement despite having no legitimate rights over the property.

The deceit came to light when the buyer realized he had been duped and reported the matter to the EFCC, leading to Haladu’s arrest and prosecution.

Upon arraignment, Haladu pleaded guilty to the charges. The prosecuting counsel, M.E. Eimonye, urged the court to convict him as charged.

Justice Khobo subsequently sentenced Haladu to five years imprisonment with an option of a N200,000 fine, and ordered him to make full restitution by repaying the N1.55 million fraudulently collected from the victim.