The arraignment of two suspected land fraudsters and their company was delayed on Monday at the FCT High Court in Jikwoyi/Azhata, Abuja, after the defendants failed to appear in court.
The defendants Adama Andrew, Ifeanyi Christopher, and their firm, Andreams Global Properties Limited are facing a 16-count charge filed by the police for conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence.
They are accused of defrauding Anyisouth Global Nigeria Limited of ₦57 million by falsely claiming to be selling three and a half hectares of land at Hilltop Extension 11, Kurudu, Abuja.
When the case was called, the prosecution counsel, Kalu Orji, told Justice Mohammed Zubairu that although the defendants had been served the court papers, none of them showed up.
Counsel to the 1st and 3rd defendants, Chuks Ebunu, said his client couldn’t attend because he was bereaved. Meanwhile, the 2nd defendant’s lawyer, Fidelis Akporia, said his client was only served late Friday and needed time to hand over work responsibilities.
He explained that the defendant had previously been called to the station without being told the reason and was unexpectedly served court papers when he went there on Friday evening.
The court has now adjourned the case to a new date for arraignment.
