The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested a 64-year-old man, Ndubisi John Iheukwumere, for allegedly defrauding a petitioner of N165 million in a fake land transaction.

In a statement signed by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, Iheukwumere allegedly conspired with a woman identified as Mrs. Salt Adaeze Udoka, who is currently on the run, to claim ownership of a 100-acre parcel of land in Ewulu Kingdom, Delta State. 

The victim reportedly paid the money in two tranches, believing he was purchasing the property.

Investigators say the petitioner later discovered that the land did not belong to the suspect, who had impersonated the rightful owners to carry out the fraud. 

Iheukwumere has reportedly confessed and will be charged to court when the investigation is completed.