The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially arraigned two employees of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) before Justice B.M. Bassi of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Jabi, Abuja, on charges of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and corruption.
The defendants, Folashade Oketope and Mohammed Kabir Usman, are accused of orchestrating the illegal sale of four government-owned residential properties situated at Plot 756, Abubakar Usman Crescent, Jabi District, Abuja.
The Allegations
According to the prosecution, the illicit transactions occurred between 2024 and 2025 while the duo held positions of trust within the FCDA, granting them authority over the management of staff houses. The charges detail that the defendants allegedly misappropriated houses numbered 3, 4, 7, and 8, selling them to private individuals for personal gain.
Furthermore, the EFCC alleges that both officials accepted bribes to facilitate these fraudulent sales. Specifically, court documents indicate that Oketope and Usman corruptly received N5 million and N4 million, respectively, from one Anthony Ezekwugo as an inducement to secure the arbitrary transfer of the properties.
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
During the Monday, July 13, 2026, proceedings, both defendants entered a plea of “not guilty” to the three-count charge.
Following the plea, Justice Bassi granted each defendant bail in the sum of N10 million. To secure their temporary release, the court mandated the following stringent conditions:
- Provision of one reliable surety for each defendant.
- Sureties must reside within the Federal Capital Territory.
- Submission of evidence of ownership of landed property within the FCT.
- Deposition of an affidavit of means.
- Submission of recent passport photographs.
Pending the fulfillment of these bail requirements, the court ordered the first defendant to be remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre and the second defendant at the Kuje Correctional Centre. The case has been adjourned until October 21, 2026, for the formal commencement of the trial.
This development is part of a broader, ongoing effort by federal authorities to address systemic corruption and illegal real estate dealings within the capital territory, following frequent reports of land racketeering and property fraud involving public officials.
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EFCC Arraigns FCDA Staff for Property Fraud
This video provides additional context on the current FCTA crackdown on land payment defaulters and property compliance, which aligns with the administration’s broader push to curb administrative irregularities in the capital.