Kaduna Couple Remanded Over Alleged ₦10 Million Land Fraud

Justice A. Isyaka of the Kaduna State High Court has ordered the remand of a couple, Aisha Musa Hamisu and Farouk Anas, over their alleged involvement in a ₦10 million land fraud scheme.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kaduna Zonal Directorate, arraigned the couple on two counts bordering on conspiracy, advance fee fraud, and obtaining money under false pretence.

According to the EFCC, the defendants fraudulently sold a parcel of land located at Birni Yero along the Kaduna-Zaria Expressway to one Jamilu Buhari, claiming false ownership. The land was originally inherited by Hajiya Adama Maina, who later filed a petition through Aysha Ahmed & Co.

The prosecution alleged that the couple falsely claimed to have bought the land from the petitioner’s stepson—who had no legal authority or connection to the property. Investigations revealed that the claim was fabricated to deceive the buyer and profit from the fraudulent transaction.

One of the charges reads: “That you, Aisha Musa Hamisu and Farouk Anas, on or about February 17, 2020, in Kaduna, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of ₦10,000,000 from Jamilu Buhari under the false pretence that you owned the property at Birni Yero, which you knew to be false, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.”

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecution, represented by M.O. Arumemi, applied for a trial date and requested that the defendants be remanded in custody. The defence counsel, Frank Akhareghemen, filed for bail on behalf of the couple.

Justice Isyaka adjourned the matter to July 24, 2025, for ruling on the bail application and ordered that the defendants remain in custody at a correctional facility pending the outcome.