Proceedings in the alleged N577 million Abuja land fraud trial involving two real estate executives were stalled on Wednesday after the Economic and Finance Crime Commission (EFCC) sought a fresh date to enable its witness to appear before the court.

The defendants in the suit are Chief Executive Officer of Homadil Realty Ltd, Dr. Rebecca Godwin-Isaac, and Chief Executive Officer of Rychado Homes Limited, Idakwogi Richard John who are standing trial alongside their companies before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

They were arraigned on a 17-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, forgery, obtaining money under false pretence and money laundering allegations linked to properties in Cadastral Zone B07, Katampe District, Abuja.

EFCC counsel, Chiamaka Njoku, told the court that although the prosecution had prepared its witness for the proceedings, he was unable to attend after losing his mother.

“We prepared the witness for today but he lost his mother; we are asking for another date,” she told the court.

Counsel to the defendants, including Senior Advocates of Nigeria Christopher Oshomegie and M.A. Ebute, did not object to the request.

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter to July 24, 2026, for continuation of trial.

The EFCC alleges that the defendants used forged documents to induce members of the public to pay for plots 1861, 1862 and 1863 in Katampe District, Abuja, despite allegedly lacking valid title to the properties.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court had earlier granted them bail of N10 million each with two sureties in like sum. (The Guardian)

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